A single shot rang out into the sky—a warning from Hazel. At that moment, rain began to fall, soaking the earth. It wasn't heavy, but it was enough to wash Hazel's tears from her face.

Hazel's threat no longer mattered to James. He continued to walk toward his Zia. He could see Hazel's lips moving and her feet stepping back. But he heard nothing at all. James truly only wanted to reach someone he had once let go of.

Until finally James's legs buckled and he fell to the ground, weakened by the bullets Hazel had fired at him.

“Forgive me,” James said.

“Never,” Hazel felt no need to consider...