Ulrik sneered. "Moonclaw will rise on your weakness."
I twisted my wrist and drove my blade under his guard. The steel sank deep. He gasped once and fell. The remaining riders broke and fled into the trees. We let them go. The message would carry back to their clan.
Thorne stood breathing hard beside me. His small hands trembled but his eyes stayed clear. I pulled him close while the kings secured the area. Darius checked him for injuries. Kane scanned the trees. Rylan stood guard with axe ready.
"You saved yourself today," I told Thorne. "You saw the patterns and gave us the advantage. I am proud of you."
He leaned into me. "I knew the escape route. But I waited for you. We do this together."
The kings gathered around us. Darius rested a hand on Thorne's shoulder. "You kept your head when others would panic. That is the mark of a leader."
Kane knelt to his level. "Your sight turned their trap against them. We train that gift harder now."
