She tilted her head, studying me as if I were some puzzle she was trying to put together. “Oh? So who are you? A fugitive?” Her voice wasn’t mocking, but it held a challenge, as if she were testing me.

“None of your business,” I snapped, turning my back on him, ready to walk away and leave all this mess behind.

“You’re on my territory,” he called to me, his voice firm and confident. “This is my land.”

I froze, then turned to face her. “Your lands?” I said, my tone dripping with skepticism. “Thi