The cave loomed before us, a gaping maw in the side of the mountain, swallowing what little moonlight reached its depths. The air was thick with the stench of death, decay, and something darker. My heart pounded in my chest as Jeremiah, my father, and I stood at the entrance with a group of warriors. Helena was to our right, her blade glinting with confidence, while the rest of the men waited outside, ready to strike down any banshee that escaped.
Jeremiah’s voice broke through the tense silence. “Alexander’s men will stay outside,” he ordered sharply. “They’ll handle any that try to flee.”
I glanced at him, confused. “Why only my father’s men?”
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t meet my eyes. “Trust me,” he said curtly.
Something about his tone made unease coil in my stomach, bu
