Octavia's Point of View
The courtyard buzzes with the low hum of voices and the scent of sweat and pine. Lanterns burn in wide arcs of light, guiding each returning patrol in from the forest. I spot familiar faces through the crowd, Rafael is already back talking with Jace, Kai and Nira just behind them, Trevor and Owen laughing quietly as they shake off their night’s tension.
Eli walks beside me, his shoulder brushing mine every few steps as we cross the open yard towards the others. The air feels heavier now that the patrol is over, like the forest pressed its silence into us and we all brought a little of it back.
Alpha Magnus stands near the main steps, his arms folded over his chest, his sharp gaze tracking each pair that returns. The firelight carves deep shadows across his face.
