The house filled with boisterous energy as Greg's battle officers arrived. They shouted over one another, clapped their hands while they laughed, and teased each other endlessly. Under different circumstances, Daniella would have been overjoyed. But for now, the most she could muster was a small smile. Perhaps when she had lived a hundred years and fought countless wars beside these people, she, too, would value camaraderie over impending chaos.

The room quieted to a few murmurs and ...