The war room buzzed with quiet urgency as Hunter outlined the mission. Wren stood beside him, her expression focused as she studied the map spread across the table. Anneliese, Hugo, and Acacia listened intently, their faces shadowed by the weight of the task ahead.
“This is a stealth operation,” Hunter said, his voice firm. “No unnecessary risks. We’re there to gather information, not to engage unless absolutely necessary.”
Anneliese nodded, her fingers tapping the edge of the table. “The traps in the cavern were just a taste of what Gertrude is capable of. Expect worse.”
Hugo leaned forward, his tone serious. “And Nicholas may have left behind surprises. We need to be ready for anything.”
Acacia’s hand rested on the hilt of her dagger, her gaze steady. “We’ll be ready.”
Wren met Hunt
