Smart Choice

Amari's fists tightened one last time.

Then he let go.

His chains slid silently to the floor. His fingers uncurled. And with that single motion, he gave the signal—an unspoken command for everyone else to stand down.

Tobias smiled. "Good choice, boy."

The room didn't relax. Not even close.

Maverick stepped forward, voice uncertain. "Amari… you sure about this?"

Amari didn't look back right away. He just inhaled, slow and full.

"Yeah," he said. "Support Shylo. That's where it counts now."

Tobias turned and headed for the door without another word. Amari followed—no hesitation, no glances over his shoulder.

Kenneth clenched his fists. "We should've fought."

Maverick shook his head. "That wasn't our call. It was his."

They watched as the door clicked shut behind Amari and the cowboy.