_Lisa's POV_
By the time the sun dipped behind the mountain of ash, the men had set up camp.
They worked quickly and quietly. They were trained for moments like this. One of them, I think his name was Marcus, gathered large sticks and logs while another arranged stones in a circle. Within minutes, a bonfire was crackling at the center of the clearing. Its flames were licking upward and casting flickering light across their serious faces.
Tents had been set up around the fire. They were sturdy and spacious. There were five in total. Rylan had made sure I had one all to myself. The others shared in pairs.
I had offered to help, of course.
“Here, let me carry that....” I began, reaching for one of the packs.
But Rylan stepped in front of me, arms crossed, one brow raised. “Absolutely no
