94. Run

As the conversation between Gideon and Tanner continued, the air was charged with tension born of concern and conflicting viewpoints. Gideon, his worry evident, pressed the issue further. "Tanner, I'm not a fan of it, especially with Yorgan hanging around. What would you do if he shows up and you're out there alone with her?"

Tanner, confident in his abilities and the precautions he'd taken, responded, "I'll smell him long before that happens, Gideon."

"But are you sure? Like, really sure of that?" Gideon's question was laden with the weight of a leader's responsibility, probing for certainty in Tanner's reassurances.

Taking a moment to sit down across from Gideon, Tanner sought to bridge the gap of understanding between them. "I'm not going to put her in danger, Gideon. And it is remarkably beneficial. Participate with us once, and if you still feel the same way, I'll stop."

Gideon's response was tinged with a mixture of frustration and concern. "It's funny you think you can make tho