The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 848

Compared to the desolate, unpopulated stretches of the rainforest early on, their final destination was exponentially more volatile.

"Because of this, we can travel together for the first leg of the journey," Callahan explained. "I have a large, fully equipped team carrying enough supplies to accommodate everyone. Having you and Abel trail behind the main group shouldn't pose any significant logistical issues."

"However, once we approach the target coordinates, we will establish a secure staging camp just outside the syndicate territories. You will remain at that temporary camp and oversee our supply lines. Are we in agreement?"

It wasn't a request; it was the only viable path forward. While trekking through the jungle, their sheer numbers could keep Payton and Abel relatively safe. But once they crossed into syndicate territory, they would be dealing with armed hostiles. Bullets didn't have eyes. If Payton refused even this compromise, Callahan would have to seriously reconsider bringing him at all.

"Payton, do you accept this proposal?"

Initially, when Callahan said they could travel together, Payton had felt a surge of hope, only to realize he was only being permitted to tag along for the preliminary route. But still, compared to Leilani's outright refusal to let him step foot in the jungle, this was a massive concession.

Payton fell silent for a moment, his calloused thumb absentmindedly tracing the armrest of his bamboo chair. His sightless gaze slowly 'swept' over Leilani's worry-stricken face. Finally, with a barely audible sigh, he nodded.

"Agreed."

Leilani's lips parted, ready to protest. "But—"

Callahan gently placed a hand over her arm, stopping her with a reassuring squeeze. "Leilani, under the circumstances, this is the best possible compromise we can make. He took a step back, which means you have to take a step back too."

"Callahan, do you really think... this arrangement is going to work? I'm still so worried."

Callahan didn't fully understand why Leilani held Payton in such intense, reverent regard, but as her partner, he saw her distress and immediately moved to comfort her.

"Even though I only met him today, I can tell he's an incredibly stubborn man. If you outright ban him from going, he'll just find a way to follow us secretly. That would be completely out of our control and infinitely more dangerous for him."

"It's better to guide the current than try to dam it. This way, we retain control of the situation. Besides, he strikes me as a highly rational man. If things truly get dangerous, he knows how to keep himself out of the crossfire."