Michael met her gaze. No trace of amusement or disbelief, just quiet consideration. He didn't answer immediately, didn't nod or shake his head. He just looked at her.
"You sure?" he asked. "This isn't the kind of road you turn back from."
Claire scoffed. "You think I made it this far by backing down when things got hard?"
"No," Michael said. "But there's a difference between surviving in a broken world and walking straight into the fire."
Claire stepped closer, arms still crossed. "Then teach me. Train me. Whatever it takes."
Michael studied her for a long second, then gave a short nod. "Alright."
That was it.
He wasn't going to decline her offer of help. After all, if he did, then she'd only end up getting herself killed somewhere down the line.
But now? There were other options he could explore.
