Page 11 of Vargan

"Seems like they don't take kindly to much," I say.

"They're bullies," Savvy says flatly. "Been running this town into the ground for years."

Silas nods. "Victor's got some deal with a developer. Wants to turn Shadow Ridge into one of those fake rustic tourist traps. Most folks have already sold out—couldn't afford not to with the way he's been squeezing everyone."

"But not you," I say to Savvy.

She straightens her spine. "My dad worked that farm and built this diner with nothing but sweat equity and his bare hands. Worked every day of his life to keep it all going. I'm not letting his legacy get bulldozed for some vacation condos."

There's fire in her eyes when she talks about her father, about the diner. It's the same look I've seen in warriors defending theirhomeland. Pride. Determination. Savvy might be human, but her spirit is pure orc.

"She's the last big holdout," Silas explains after Savvy leaves to take another table's order. "If Victor can get her to sell, the rest of us individual properties won't stand a chance. We'll all have to go."

I watch Savvy move through the diner, efficient and strong despite everything. "She's been holding off these two men by herself?"

Silas nods. "Almost a year now. They've tried everything—cutting her supplies, sending health inspectors, even having Royce charm his way into her life for a while."

That last bit catches me off guard. "Her and Royce?"

"For a few months after her daddy died. She was vulnerable, and Royce is good at spotting weakness." Silas's voice drops. "Whatever happened between them ended bad. She won't talk about it, but she hasn't been the same since."

Something dark stirs in my chest—a protective instinct I have no right to feel. "Why has no one helped her?"

Silas looks at me with tired eyes. "We've tried. But Victor owns most of the town already, and the ones he doesn’t are too scared to cross him. He's got the law in his pocket, the bank manager on his payroll. Man like that, in a town this small..." He trails off. "Savvy's the only one strong enough to keep fighting."

I'm quiet for a moment, watching her work. She catches my eye briefly across the room, and that same strange feeling twists in my chest.

"You know," Silas says, interrupting my thoughts, "I'm surprised Royce hasn't retaliated for you staying at Savvy's place last night."

My head snaps back to him. "What?"

"Town like Shadow Ridge, nothing stays secret long. Everyone knows you spent the night at her place. Royceconsiders her his property, even though she dumped his sorry ass. He doesn't like other men getting close to her."

I'm suddenly very aware of the danger I might have put her in. "I'm fixing my bike and leaving. Today, if possible."

Silas studies me, then shrugs. "Your call. But if you're worried about Savvy, you riding out might be the worst thing you could do for her."

"Why's that?"

"Because right now, you're the only thing standing between her and them." He drains the last of his coffee. "You leave, and there's nothing stopping Royce from making his move."

I look out the window at my broken motorcycle, the symbol of my freedom lying in pieces. Then back to Savvy, strong and proud, fighting a war she can't win alone.

I've spent my whole life running from one fight to the next. Never staying. Never putting down roots. It's safer that way.

But for the first time, running feels like the wrong choice.

"Let me think about it," I tell Silas. "In the meantime, let's get those tools and see what we're dealing with."

As we leave the diner, I catch Savvy's eye one more time. She gives me a small nod, like she's already accepted that I'll be gone by sunset. Like she's used to people leaving.

I look away first.

I don't make promises I can't keep. But something tells me I won't be crossing that border anytime soon.

Chapter Four

Savvy

---