“You left false footprints?" Cassian asked, arms crossed as he studied the map.
Leia nodded. “Northbound, toward the Ridge caves. Torin's patrols will waste two days chasing smoke."
“You're getting good at deception."
She shrugged. “When survival depends on it, you learn fast."
They stood in a dark chamber beneath the Keep—an old smuggler tunnel sealed off decades ago. Dust coated crates stacked against the walls.
Leia pried one open.
Cassian's voice dropped. “What is that?"
She held up a shattered flask. The alchemical stench was unmistakable. “Same compound used in the Border Massacre."
Cassian stepped closer. His face changed. “That crest—"
Leia pointed to the scorched wood: a black crescent.
“Silas's," she confirmed. “These were stored here. At Frostvale. That makes the counc
