139 Get with the Program

ELRETH

When everyone had gone except her family, Elreth finally let herself slump. She'd been holding herself so tight her shoulders hurt.

Her mother spoke softly with Gar as Aaryn approached her chair and knelt at the arm, taking her hand. "You're amazing," he said quietly, though his eyes still held the hint of an edge.

She sighed and squeezed his hand. "I can't just hand it over, Aaryn. The other tribes will eat you all alive."

"I know, I know," he said reluctantly. "I just… they've waited so long. They're so hopeful."

"And they should stay that way. But they need to be patient with it."

He nodded. "Are you okay?"

"Are you?" She'd seen several of the older males pull Aaryn aside before they left. She prayed they were not going to make trouble.

"Yes, I'm fine," he asked, surprised.

"Weren't they pressuring you to pressure me? On the timing, I mean?"