Kael’s POV

We moved east with no banners and armour, without the intention of declaring war. We were out to steal a drive to get the full names they tried to erase, and wolves who no longer asked permission. Mira was leading, and I followed her behind. Behind us, Auren walked with measured silence. Ahead of us, the Council waited. We reached the edges of the Outer Highlands by nightfall.

Cyrus established signal contact with two rogue communication towers. Lyra uploaded the first wave of ...