Lucas studied them, his eyes moving from Cecilia to Flora, then to Gwen, weighing their words, their resolve, and the reality of the situation. They weren't wrong. This town was already under control, already compromised, and leaving them behind might not be the protection he thought it was.
Patrick leaned slightly toward him, speaking quietly. "She's right," he said. "They'll be safer moving with us than staying here alone."
Tom nodded once. "And if they know the terrain better, that's an advantage."
Lucas exhaled slowly, his expression tightening for a brief moment before he finally gave in.
"Fine," he said. "You come with us."
Relief flickered across Cecilia's face, though she quickly composed herself.
"But," Lucas added, his tone firm, leaving no room for argument, "you follow orders. No risks. No hesitation. If I say move, you move. If I say hide, you hide. Understood?"
Cecilia nodded immediately. "Understood."
Flora gave a calm nod. "We won't be a burden."
