“This is war.”
Merrick tightened the straps on his armor, his jaw set with quiet determination. Jonathan stood beside him, rolling his shoulders as if trying to shake off the weight of what lay ahead, while Damon paced restlessly, impatience flickering in his eyes. Marcus, ever the strategist, studied the map one last time before folding it carefully.
“Once we cross the ridge, there’s no turning back,” Marcus said.
“There was never going to be,” Damon replied.
Far behind them, the air in the coven grounds felt heavier. Raven leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching the horizon as if she could will them back already. Careless sat nearby, uncharacteristically silent, while Mira moved gently between the twins, soothing them whenever they stirred.
“They’ll bring her back,” Mira
