His eyes are intense, unwavering as they lock onto mine. “If getting close means putting you in danger,

then yes. We have to let it go. I’m sorry, Abby.”

I exhale, a shuddering breath that does nothing to quell the turmoil inside me.

The tension between us could be sliced with a knife. Part of me considers letting Karl win this round. But I

can’t let this go. I just can’t.

Instead, I reach into my bag and pull out a crumpled piece of paper, holding it up in front of him. It’s waterstained and a little tattered, but clearly a hand-drawn map.

“Recognize this?” I ask, my voice filled with a challenge.

Karl’s eyes widen, and for a moment, he’s the one who looks like he’s seen a ghost. “You pickpocketed

me? Last night, when I came in here soaking wet?”

Enter title…

blend of victory

of his pocket

it into my own pocket, just

I did. I saw this map sticking out of your pocket, soaking wet. Thought it

exhales, half in disbelief, half in amusement. “Some

strand of hair behind my ear. “Especially

at me,

aren’t you?

his.

at me for a long, excruciating moment, and I can almost

the risks, weighing the importance of my dreams against the dangers ahead

the courage he needs for what he’s about to

finally. His eyes search mine one last time, as if making sure this

want. “If you’re going, I’m going with you. There’s

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