Kaelen POV
The messenger didn't know I was following him. That was the point.
He'd been spotted three times in the last week. Moving between Silvermist territory and the neutral zones. Always alone, always careful. But not careful enough.
I'd been tracking him for two hours. Staying downwind. Keeping to the shadows and waiting for the right moment.
He stopped at a stream to drink. Set down his bag and stretched his shoulders.
I moved. Had him pinned and gagged before he could shout. Dragged him into the trees where no one would hear.
"Don't struggle," I said quietly. "I just want to talk."
He stopped fighting as I pulled the gag down slightly. "Who do you work for?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." His voice shook. "I'm just a courier."
"Couriers don't travel alone throug
