Mira's POV.

I found Kael teaching the new recruits how to defuse territorial disputes without resorting to violence. "Elder Kael," one interrupted. "What if they won't listen?"

"Then you listen harder. Find what they're actually fighting about. It's never really the border." I waited until the session ended. "Jenna sent word. The Northridge Stonepeak dispute is escalating. Three skirmishes in two weeks. One dead yesterday."

Kael's jaw tightened. "I'll go."

"We'll go."

He didn't argue. Knew ...