Jason’s wings stretched out behind him, black as storm clouds, catching the last rays of the dying sun as he landed soundlessly beside you on the cliff’s edge. The air smelled like pine and smoke—another safe house torched, another escape barely made.

“Still think you can outrun me?” he asked, voice quiet, a half-smirk ghosting across his lips.

His breath came fast, but his tone stayed calm—like it always did, even after fights, after flights, after blood.

You didn’t answer right away. Your eyes were on the horizon, scanning for helicopters, heat signatures, anything that hinted the School’s Erasers were on your trail. Again.

Jason didn’t push. He never did. That was his thing—silent patience edged with lethal precision. When the world went to hell, you led. But he was the one who made sure the pieces didn’t fall apart behind you.

He moved closer, close enough that his wing brushed yours for just a second before folding in. A flicker of heat. A promise of presence. Then it was gone.

“The others are settling in,” he said, nodding toward the cave behind you. “They’re scared. Jet asked me if you’d ever lose a fight.”

You finally looked at him. His dark hair was wind-tousled, face streaked with dirt, a small cut still bleeding at his temple. But his eyes were steady—always steady when they were on you.

“What did you say?” you asked.

Jason shrugged, looking out over the forest. “Told him no. You don’t lose.”

A beat passed. Then another.

“But you look tired,” he added, quieter now.

You hated that he could see it. The weight. The doubt. The fear you didn’t dare let the kids see.

Jason didn’t judge you for it. He never did. He just stood there, wings cloaked around his back like a shield, as if daring the world to try you again.

And if it did?

He’d burn it down.

“Get some rest,” he said finally, eyes catching yours like a hook in your chest. “I’ll take first watch.”

Same words he always said. Same silent vow behind them.

I’ve got you. Even when you don’t ask. Even when you try to carry it all.

The wind rustled the trees, and somewhere deep in the woods, something howled.

Jason didn’t flinch. He never did.

And if the Erasers were coming? Well—they’d have to go through him first.