Bill sagged, relief crashing over him so hard he nearly collapsed.
I smiled, slow and cold.
"But he has to do something for me first."
I locked eyes with Bill.
"Go back out there," I said. "Tell them you found the supplies. Tell them it's safe. Bring them here. All of them. This is your last chance."
Bill stared at me, then nodded frantically, already backing toward the entrance.
"Yes—yes—thank you—I'll do it—I swear—"
He turned and ran, disappearing into the dark forest.
I reopened the world map, watching his red dot move fast through the trees—straight back to Jack and Drake's group.
He wasn't running away.
He was obeying.
Good.
I looked at Mira and Nicole.
"They're coming," I said quietly. "All of them."
Mira's arms tightened around her daughter, her voice shaking.
"Please… don't hurt them…" she whispered again.
Nicole echoed her, tears fresh.
"Please…"
I didn't answer.
Instead, I walked outside, Angela and Lisa flanking me, Camilla trailing behind.
We waited.
