KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

The moon hung heavy in the sky, a silent sentinel as we circled around the ancient oak table that had known many a battle plan. I could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on my shoulders as we pored over maps and reports, our faces bathed in the cold glow of flickering candles.

"Let's consider their strengths," I began, my voice low and steady. "The Black Faes move like whispers on the wind, unseen until it is too late. They know our territories, our people. ...