Nayomi smirked faintly, floating beside him. "And if she isn't?"
Akamir's gaze hardened. "…Then I'll make sure she regrets ever breathing."
The dirt road stretched ahead, winding toward a line of hills where the horizon shimmered with heat.
The air carried the faint scent of smoke and iron. It was a sign of camps or forges not far away.
The general kept his head bowed, his stride brisk but cautious, as though every step was measured.
"The place you marked, my lord," he said quietly, "is a supply hub. Few know it exists. It's where Aure stores resources bound for their western front… and where certain shipments are hidden."
"Shipments?" Akamir asked, his voice sharp.
The general hesitated. "…I don't know for sure but…" he sighed. "Some say it's people."
Akamir's eyes narrowed behind the mask. Sylari's words flickered through his mind.
'Selling humans, selling the continent piece by piece.'
