ASHER
We searched every inch of the forest floor.
We followed the trails, the broken branches, the scorch marks on the trees.
************************************************
NADIA
I grabbed my light blade and followed.
The sound of boots thudded around me, the sharp air smelled of blood and burning wood. Asher jerked his horse, galloping toward the entrance of the pack. I ran after him, my heart pounding hard in my chest.
Outside the pack walls stood strange figures. They were not like any enemies I had seen before. Their skin was bruised, covered in marks of suffering. Their clothes hung like rags, their eyes sunken and haunted.
They were slaves. Escapees.
They carried no weapons, only heavy chains dragging from their wrists and ankles. Their faces told stories of pain, but their bodies stood firm, almost hopeful.
A small murmur ran through our soldiers. They didn't look like they were here to fight. They looked... desperate. Desperate for something else.
