Fen.
The wind bit at my face as I crouched at the edge of the outcropping, overlooking the village of Duskvale. Smoke still rose from the edges of the settlement—old burns from Julia's last attack, and the scent of scorched timber lingered in the air like a bad memory. I narrowed my eyes and scanned the area, my senses stretched taut.
Gerald stood beside me, silent and focused, his green eyes locked onto the distant rooftops like a hawk ready to dive. It was his first real assignment since Elsbeth offered him the position of Gamma—an unorthodox choice, maybe, but the Queen's instincts rarely failed. And if she saw something in him, I'd damn well make sure he had a chance to prove it.
"Anything?" I asked.
He didn't look at me, just shook his head. "Movement in the south field. Two figures. Could be scouts. Could be bait."
