Killian's POV
Liam came in with his boots still caked in mud, his face tight. He didn’t wait for pleasantries.
“Thirty two,” he said flatly. “That’s the count. Most of them younglings, but a few seasoned ones among the bodies. Whoever’s running them isn’t slowing down.”
I leaned back, studying him. “Good work.” Then, without pause, I added, “Elijah and Scott are back in town.”
His head snapped toward me, eyes wide as though he hadn’t heard right. “What?”
“You heard me,” I said, steady.
For the first time, I saw Liam’s composure falter. He drew in a breath, fists clenching at his sides. “After all this time…” His jaw worked, the anger raw.
I pushed off the wall and closed the distance between us. “I need you to do something for me. Take Isla. Keep her close. Whatever happens, she wo
