THORNE POINT OF VIEW.

The forest shook with anticipation, the undergrowth whispering warnings we could barely hear over the pounding of our own hearts.

I led the front line, shields up, spear ready, my eyes scanning the shadows where Kael’s forces waited. Every soldier in my staggered formation was alert, muscles taut, breath steady. Behind me, Aria moved like a shadow, calm yet lethal, her presence anchoring the pack. Cairn was to my right, shouting orders, adjusting ranks, holding the ...