competition

The Following Morning

Lara skipped breakfast with the team, too embarrassed to face Tyson. She feared he might scold her—or worse, tell her to stay away from him forever. The thought alone made her stomach churn, so she did what she could—she avoided him.

But Tyson wasn't going to let that happen. He had been trying to find a moment alone with her, and it didn't take long before he finally succeeded.

He discovered her seated on a metal box near the entrance of the mines, observing as machines rumbled by, transporting mine workers to their stations.

"Hey," he called, walking toward her slowly.

Lara stiffened, her heart pounding as she jumped to her feet. Nervous. A bit frightened.

"You alright?" he asked.

She nodded quickly, squeezing her eyes shut to calm herself.