The joint exercise field stretched across the northern plains of Ironseed territory, a wide expanse of packed dirt and reinforced barriers. Song-weaver banners fluttered next to Ironseed standards.
Rael stood at the head of his clan contingent, two hundred strong, their voices already humming low test melodies that made the air shimmer. Aiden watched from the command platform, flanked by Catherine, Sabrina, Flora, and Luna.
This was supposed to be simple. A show of unity after the song-weavers' integration. Coordinated strikes, shared defensive formations, nothing more.
"They're good," Sabrina said, arms crossed, red hair tied back for the drill. "Their songs cut through armor like nothing I've seen."
Catherine nodded, blue eyes scanning the formation. "Integration metrics are holding. Rael kept his word."
Flora's golden eyes flickered as she read the aether flows. "The resonance is stable. For now."
