Liam didn't respond immediately to Charlotte's words. Mainly because, to him, there was nothing cowardly about what she had said, and that was the interesting part.
He looked at it from her perspective and understood it.
Charlotte's words carried practicality and self-preservation.
A clear understanding of her own priorities.
And Liam respected that far more than reckless courage.
"You're very honest about it," he said at last.
Charlotte smiled again.
"Of course. Lying about wanting to live is stupid."
She took another bite of the deer meat, chewed, then spoke again after swallowing.
"People act like survival is some noble thing. It isn't. It's ugly. Selfish. Sometimes embarrassing."
She leaned back slightly on one hand.
"But it works."
Liam's gaze remained on her for a moment before he finally spoke again.
"Tell me something," he said calmly. "What happens if I decide to go east?"
Charlotte went still for a brief moment.
