Aria’s POV —

The stench of blood and smoke filled the air long before we reached the heart of the rogue village. Every breath I took burned in my throat. The ground beneath my boots was slick with mud — or maybe blood — and the air thrummed with the low growls of the creatures waiting for us in the dark.

Kaelen gave the signal. One short nod. No words.

We moved.

I slipped through the shattered fence first, dagger in hand, my eyes scanning every corner. The rogue settlement ...