The air was heavy with anticipation as the estate buzzed with activity. Warriors trained in the courtyard, their movements sharp and deliberate, while scouts came and went with reports of Gertrude’s growing forces.
Hunter stood at the center of it all, his amber eyes scanning the crowd with quiet intensity. Wren stood beside him, her presence a grounding force amidst the chaos.
“Double the patrols,” Hunter ordered Hugo, his voice steady. “We can’t afford any surprises.”
Hugo nodded, his expression grim. “The rogues are growing bolder. We’ve caught three trying to scout the outer perimeter just this morning.”
Hunter clenched his fists. “They’re testing us. Trying to find weaknesses.”
Wren signed quickly, her violet eyes sharp. “Then we can’t give them any.”
Hunter’s lips quirked in a
