"That's fighting," Mira said, going rigid. "That's already fighting."
"Then we're out of time to argue about who's allowed to come," Ariana said.
Mira's jaw worked, torn between orders and instinct, before finally cursing under her breath. "Fine. But you stay behind me the entire way. No exceptions."
"Agreed."
Renata caught Ariana's arm before she could move toward the stables. "Wait. If they've already taken what they need, going to that coast means walking straight into whatever's left of the ambush."
"I know."
"You could die."
"So could Lucien. So could Kael." Ariana pulled free gently. "I'm not standing behind these walls doing nothing while that happens."
Renata studied her a long moment, something like reluctant respect crossing her weathered face. "Then take this." She press
