Marcus had always believed that the worst part of leadership was making decisions for people who couldn't walk away from them. It turned out the worst part was making decisions for people who could.
The children stood in a loose line, dust still clinging to their jeans and shoes, eyes bright with the kind of fierce hope that only came from believing you could fix something broken if you were brave enough. Emma's chin was tipped up in quiet defiance. Oliver had his hands jammed into his pockets like he was holding himself in place. Maya hovered half a step behind the others, shoulders squared in a way that told Marcus she was terrified and choosing to stand anyway. James watched Marcus with careful calm, already braced for disappointment.
Marcus exhaled through his nose. "We are not using you as bait."
"We're not bait," Emma said. "We're leverage."
"That is not better," Kai muttered.
