The southern border smells like smoke and wet stone when Aurora arrives.
Not wildfire smoke.
Not destruction.
Just the lingering aftermath of too many bodies pressed too tightly into fear.
The clash site sits near a narrow trade crossing where human wagons and wolf runners share a thin, overused path. Broken crates lie scattered across the dirt. A torn cloak flutters weakly against a fence post. Someone has tried to sweep the stones away, but dust remembers.
Kade walks at Aurora's side, silent but coiled.
The bond hums, tight.
Not panic.
Readiness.
A small group waits for them near the center of the clearing.
Mara Elric stands among them, expression drawn but composed. Two human council guards flank her. Across from them, three Marked refugees stand stiffly, young, defensive, bruised but unbowed.
The air is thick with unspoken accusation.
"You're late," one of the human merchants mutters.
Aurora ignores him.
"Report," she says calmly.
Mara steps forward.
