They got back late and the place felt heavy the moment they walked through the door. Nobody spoke and nobody needed to. Sean moved without waiting for anyone. He gave orders fast, had the weapons carried to a secure room, and checked everything himself piece by piece until he was satisfied.
Nick stayed close to Silas. Her eyes dropped to his cut hand and came back up to his face. "You should deal with that," she said. Silas looked down at it.
"It's nothing." Nick didn't argue because she had seen worse and she had also watched strong men fall from less. "They changed the method," she said. Silas nodded.
"Yes." Nick's voice stayed flat. "They are using children now because no one stops for children, and the ones who do stop long enough to hesitate." Silas said nothing back because that part needed no answer.
