"Quiet," Elara cut in, scanning the shadows for signs of a trap. "This could be a ruse."

"An ally needs our help," I countered, though the cold fist of caution clenched at my gut. "He has information we need."

"Rescuing him could compromise the mission," Gamma Thorne growled quietly, his loyalty to our cause unwavering yet torn by the sight before us. "We can't risk exposing ourselves."

"Mother, we must decide quickly," Eden added, his youthful countenance etched with the weight of the ...