Tension was already clinging to Luke like a second skin.
The weight of Ilyrana's words still rang fresh in his ears as he navigated the dim camp, heading toward the command tent. The shadows danced longer tonight, more sinister than usual, and though the flames from the torch in his hand flickered confidently, it brought him little comfort.
He ducked under the flap of the command tent, expecting to find Commander Valerie—but instead, it was Larissa who greeted him, halfway through buckling her chestplate.
"Commander's out on patrol," she said without turning, clearly sensing his presence before he even spoke.
Still, Luke approached swiftly, voice lowered to a hush.
"Then I need to speak with you. Now."
Larissa paused, eyes flicking to his face, sharp and instantly serious.
"What is it?"
"Ilyrana spotted something. Movement, figures, during our last round. Could be nothing—but it could be someone watching us from the tree line."
