The wind whispered through the scorched clearing as the last echoes of battle faded. The scent
of burnt timber and blood hung heavy in the air. Ethan stood among the fallen ambushers, rolling
his shoulders, breath still slightly ragged. The warmth of adrenaline still buzzed beneath his skin, a
subtle reminder of how close death had hovered.
Velexaria, her eyes sharp and watchful, gestured for the others to spread out.
"Check the bodies," she ordered coolly. "I want to know who sent these insects."
Kaeron grunted, kneeling beside one of the corpses and rifling through the man's robe pockets.
"Empty. No letters, no insignias, no nothing. These guys were either professionals… or cannon
fodder."
Lysena nudged another body over with her boot, her dark hair spilling over her shoulder as she
leaned down. "Nothing here either. Not even spare coins. Thoroughly scrubbed. Whoever sent
them knew we'd be looking."
