"Drink up." Bran brought in a mug of water and handed it to Aiden's tied hands. It would be enough to quench Aiden's thirst, but not hunger.
Silence filled the room as everyone waited for the right moment to speak.
Aiden sat on the stone bench, his wrists tied with rope in front of him. The torchlight made the edges of his face look sharper, older. He leaned back against the wall, showing no interest in testing his restraints.
Shannon stood across from him. Kim and Mira flanked the door. Bran hovered at the edge of the torchlight. Tristan lingered farther back, silent but close enough to hear.
"You want Vale," Aiden said flatly. "Fine. I'll give you Vale."
Shannon did not move. "Then speak."
Aiden's mouth tugged at one corner. "He keeps to the river flats west of Drellin's ford. He prefers ground that muddies quickly. No tracks left behind. He sleeps under tarps pulled low, never a proper camp. If you want him, that's where you'll find him."
