Atticus stared at the strange woman for a moment, uncertain of what response she expected from him. In the end, he gave only a curt nod and a simple,
"No."
After that, it was finally time to leave the underground space. Atticus moved ahead of her, taking point as he manipulated the earth before them, forcing it to part smoothly as they shot forward through the depths.
He had chosen the underground route deliberately, to increase their pace, and to avoid the risk of being discovered. At least this way, they wouldn't have to worry about the others finding them and launching an attack.
The woman kept her position behind him, never once falling back, her gaze fixed on him without interruption. Eventually, the weight of that stare, combined with the oppressive silence, became too much. Atticus released a slow breath.
"Why are you helping me?"
"Co—"
