[It's a genius idea. He would tell her so if they were only alone. He wishes so bad that they were alone. He wishes he were braver, so it didn't feel like Ryder was doing all the fighting for him. He wishes altogether that he were better for her.

But wishes aren't going to change anything right now. He bobs his head to confirm Ryder's story.]

Try to keep... as many as... I can... No time for... finding more...

[Maddy frowns, her eyes narrowing a little at both he and Ryder. He's not sure if she believes it. But what other answer would there be? Him being a functioning undead is unthinkable, even when the evidence is right there.

Maddy turns away from them all. Her fists are tight at her sides.]

Cecily. Head back early before he realizes you've slipped watch.

[Cecily scowls at Maddy, but even aside that, there's a shine to her eyes like she's fighting something down. It doesn't quite leave even when she turns a weak grin on them.]

See you guys soon. Pretend we haven't met, okay? The old man's a real dick about stuff like this.

[She darts out quick and fluid. There's a quiet to her steps just like Maddy, trained and careful no matter how much more normal she might try to behave.]

We'll go in a few more minutes, so she has the head start.