Ronan’s breath came in ragged gasps as he pressed a bloodied hand to his ribs. The traitor lay motionless behind him, but the fight had cost him precious time. Every second wasted was another moment Layla remained in her father’s grasp. He couldn’t afford hesitation.
"We move now," he growled to the warriors surrounding him. They were the ones still loyal to him, the ones who hadn’t wavered despite the fractures forming within Stormborn ranks.
His second-in-command, Dain, nodded sharply. "The rogues’ stronghold is deep in the valley. If we move under cover of darkness, we’ll have the advantage."
Ronan sheathed his blade and forced himself upright. "We’re not just infiltrating, we’re bringing her home."
The night cloaked their approach, the moon veiled behind thick clouds. The rogue cam
