~Kaida Orion POV~
I had always thought the hardest days were behind me. But standing here now, watching the moonlight sink into the cold stone of the mountainside, I realized the real war was only just beginning.
The map in my hand trembled. Not because of the wind, but because of the fear I refused to name.
Biat stood a few feet away, silent he had always been loyal, but tonight even her breathing felt guarded. We had climbed all day without rest, tracking the faintest of signs, hoping to find the path Lupus must have taken.
"I still think he's alive," I whispered, gripping the edge of my coat tighter. "Even if the arrow hit him, even if he was weak… I would feel it if he were gone."
Biat didn't answer, but his eyes met mine for once, there was no doubt on his face. Only pain.
"I believe you," he said softly.
I wanted to believe myself too.
