I stared at my plate because of fatigue, not because of the lie we had told Marshal to hide that Trent was an elf and wanted the sample to revitalize his species. “No,” I said softly. “There isn’t. This is what I do. Seemingly stupid stuff that most people die doing.” I tucked a strand of hair as my frustration grew. “You don’t think I know this is one of the most risky things I’ve ever done? I appreciate your concern, Marshal, but I need that demon sample, and Trent can get me there and back. If you’re going to be the voice of common sense and tell me that I’m likely not going to survive, then you need to leave.”

My voice had risen, and I exhaled. I knew Jenks and Ivy could hear if they tried. Marshal looked hurt, and I slumped. “Look,” I said, lowering my eyes in guilt. “I’m sorry. I really am. You simply knowing me has put you in danger.” I thought of Kisten, dying to protect me, and I bit my lip. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t even know why you’re here.”

His face took on a severe cast, and he leaned to block my view of the picnic table. “I’m here because I thought I could talk some sense into you,” he said tightly, and my gaze jerked to his at the frustration in his voice. “It’s hard to watch someone do something this incredibly stupid, especially when there isn’t a damn thing you can do to help them.” His fingers found my hands. “Rachel, don’t do this.”

His fingers, twined in mine, were warm, and I slowly pulled away. This is so not what I need. “I’m doing this,” I said, starting to get mad.

Marshal’s brow pinched. “I can’t help you.”

I jerked my fingers from him. “I never asked you to help me.” Damn it, Jenks. Couldn’t you be wrong once in a while?

Taking my silence for indecision, Marshal stood. The dry clatter of dragonfly wings intruded, and I stared at Jenks, wondering how he could see people so clearly and I could be so dense.

“Hey, Marsh-man,” Jenks quipped lightly. “Ivy wants another burger.”

Marshal gave me a faintly sour sideways look. “I was just heading that way.”

“It’s going to be okay,” I said almost belligerently, and he hesitated. “I can do this.”

“No,” he said with Jenks hovering uncertainly beside him. “It won’t. This is bad. Even if you do come back, you’re going to be really messed up.”