Zachary's POV
The early morning light slanted through my office windows, painting long gold stripes across the floor. I hadn't slept at all since Kelly and Torran left. I didn't understand it. Why was I so worked up?
I took a long sip of my coffee as I flipped through the patrol reports, one after another. Each one routine and predictable until I reached the southern ridge report.
My eyes narrowed.
Why hadn't I been notified that they had returned? They only left 24 hours ago.
"Unknown creature encountered. Engagement unavoidable. Not rogue. No injuries reported. Sample acquired for further investigation. Leader: Kelly."
I lowered the report slowly. My fingers tapped once against the edge of the desk. The southern ridge was one of the most remote areas in our territory,
