The air thickened.
Not with mist.
But tension.
Raven's gaze locked onto the sign Nibbles had raised—"They all disappeared in a mist."
He knelt, his voice low but clear. "Nibbles. Elaborate."
Without hesitation, the squirrel general leapt in the air, did a somersault midair, and landed squarely on Alex's shoulder with theatrical flair.
Alex blinked. "Oh? Is it time for the Alex-Nibbles mind-meld again?"
Selena groaned. "Please don't call it that."
Clara sighed. "Just translate."
Nibbles started squeaking—rapid-fire, intense, paws flailing in expressive little circles.
Alex's face grew increasingly serious.
"Alright, so here's the deal," he said, pointing to the broken stone pillars. "Nibbles's recon squad was watching everything from the trees around the perimeter—super stealthy. Acorn helmets, nut camo, you know, the full kit."
Raven raised a brow.
