Lion Head Mesa I look up at the gaps of sunlight

A frown knit his features briefly, but Panacea looked away to hide it. I thought - He sucked in a breath. I thought you'd want me to finish my task, too. The defensive edge lurked just beneath the surface of his words: I can do this. I can do both.

Couldn't he?

His shoulder ached fiercely, and as he glanced back at Kemal and found the man checking his scent, he began to doubt himself. Maybe he should have stayed back.