Lia's boots crunched over the cracked, sun-baked stone of the rocky plateau. The air here was dry and sharp, carrying the scent of dust and heated rock. Her eyes scanned the open expanse, always edging her path toward the center of the battlefield.
A faint rustle broke the stillness. Lia froze, her hand hovering near the hilt of her blade. Then — a sudden streak of golden-white light zipped past the far ridge, followed by a shrill, insect-like chitter.
Someone's fighting…
Carefully, she crept toward the sound, keeping low until she reached the edge of a rocky outcrop. Peering over, she spotted the source of the commotion.
