Audrey’s POV
The air was cold when I stepped outside before dawn. The sky was still dark, the packhouse quiet.
We were leaving early—before the elders expected us to.
Mira and Aiden were already waiting near the edge of the woods, both dressed for the mission.
Luke stood beside them, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
I approached, my steps steady. I wasn’t nervous.
I was ready.
Mira smirked. "Guess we’re really doing this."
Aiden adjusted the strap of his bag. "No turning back now."
Luke met my gaze. "Last chance to back out."
I scoffed. "Not a chance."
He smirked. "Good."
Without another word, we moved into the forest.
The eastern border was a long way from the packhouse, but we traveled fast. No one spoke much. We all knew this wasn’t just a scouting mission.
This wa
