Alistair's POV

The expansive map sprawls across my desk, its edges barely contained by the table. Four heavy stones pin down its corners, preventing it from curling.

Red pins and blue markers scatter across the chart, each indicating critical patrol routes and border checkpoints. A semicircle of squad leaders hovers nearby, their postures attentive but loose.

“For the north team,” I instruct, tapping a spot just below the highest ridge, “you’ll ...