Sera's POV
The eastern tree line was quieter than I expected.
We'd taken our positions hours ago, hidden among the ancient pines that lined the base of the mountain pass. The third force—two hundred wolves, one hundred vampires—waited in perfect silence, their eyes fixed on the narrow gap where the Arbiters would appear. No one spoke. No one moved. We barely breathed.
I crouched behind a fallen log, Lyra beside me, my heart pounding so loud I was sure the entire mountain could hear it. The leather armor felt too tight, too hot, too everything. My hand kept drifting to the sword at my hip, checking, rechecking, making sure it was still there.
"They're late," Lyra muttered, her sharp eyes never leaving the pass. "Scouts said within the hour. That was three hours ago."
"Maybe they change
