Lucas's POV
Lucas had never seen Aariana this quiet.
She stood at the mouth of the tunnel, the letter from the council folded inside her fist.
No panic.
No tears.
No hesitation.
Only a terrifying calm.
"The northern estate," she said.
Lucas nodded.
"I know where it is."
"Then we leave now."
He expected her to argue when he reached for his coat.
Instead, she looked at him.
"How many warriors can you trust?"
"Enough."
"How many?"
"Six."
"Bring four."
Lucas frowned.
"Why four?"
"Because six will look like an attack force."
"And four?"
"An escort."
She turned toward the tunnel.
"We need Wren alive. We don't need the council believing we're coming to start a war."
Lucas followed.
"You think they'll hurt him?"
Aariana stopped.
"I think they know hurting him would be t
