11/15/2025 Snippet, BANSHEE BEACH.

Less than I’d like, but I figure it’s good I got any done at all. We had deadlines tonight.

…

Lucas flexed his fingers a couple of times, nodding at how they had gotten full range of motion back. I wasn’t real thrilled with the look on his face, even though it wasn’t aimed at me. I could see him tucking away all the distractions in his head, keeping them buried nice and safe where they wouldn’t get hurt. “Just so you know, Tom,” he said, as evenly as if he was asking for the last roll, “these guys are evil-enough.”

I exhaled. I wanted to argue, but… “I figured, Lucas. Just let them surrender, okay? I mean, for-real surrender.”

“It’s not gonna happen, Tom,” Lucas replied, sword held loose and deadly in his hand as we ducked into the main hall. “They’re cultists. Cultists don’t surrender. But, sure, it’s a nice thought.”