Xavier moved through the forest trail behind the village. He kept his steps light, almost silent, eyes scanning the dense trees, listening for anything off. Twigs cracked far off in the distance, probably an animal. But he didn't drop his guard.
The mercs weren't dumb. If they were still here, they'd stay low. Hidden.
He crouched behind a thick rock, pulled out his lens scanner from the side pouch, and pointed it toward the ridge where the old watchtower ruins stood. That'd be a good spot to observe the village from.
He zoomed in.
Nothing.
"Planning to go solo again?" came a voice from behind.
Xavier didn't even flinch. "Reva."
She stepped out from the trees, hands behind her back, her silver hair tied in a loose knot, swaying gently with the breeze. "You didn't tell anyone where you were going. Not even me."
"I didn't think anyone would follow."
Reva walked up beside him and looked out over the ridge. "It's dangerous to go alone. Even for someone like you."
