(Olivia's POV)
The morning air felt thick with tension as I faced the gathered warriors. Without Cora's strength, even standing before them required effort, but I forced my voice to remain steady.
"Remember," I said, scanning the faces before me, "trust is earned through actions, not words. We need to be more vigilant than ever."
Clara's hand shot up immediately, her expression perfectly concerned. "Are you suggesting there might be traitors among us?" The innocence in her voice made my skin crawl.
"I'm saying we can't take anything for granted," I replied carefully. "Not with the increased patrols at the borders."
"But we're sisters in arms," Clara pressed, her wide eyes scanning the other warriors. "After everything we've been through together, surely we can trust each other?"
Emma
