The outpost sat at the edge of Duskrail's northern border, little more than a single room built into the hillside, meant for patrol changeovers rather than conversations that could reshape everything I thought I understood about this club. Aldric was already waiting when Bri and I arrived, alone, no guard posted outside, exactly the way he had insisted it needed to be.
You came without an escort, I said, dismounting.
I did not want anyone tracking who else made this ride, Aldric said. Not even our own men. Come inside. What I have to tell you does not belong out here where the wind carries voices further than either of us would like.
We sat together at the small table inside, a single lamp burning low between us, and Aldric took a long moment before he finally spoke, the same fear I had
