The ruins smoldered for three days.
Lena walked through them each morning, counting the losses, cataloging the damage, *remembering*. Seven graves now marked the edge of the camp—seven lives taken by Lilith's cruelty. Seven families shattered.
"We'll find who did this." Kael's voice came from behind her. "We'll make them pay."
"That won't bring them back." Lena's voice was quiet, hollow. "Nothing will."
He pulled her close, his warmth a comfort against the cold morning air. "No. But it might stop it from happening again."
Lena nodded slowly. "Then let's find them."
---
The investigation began at dawn.
Kael organized search parties, sending wolves to track any sign of the attackers' retreat. Caspian interviewed survivors, gathering details about the night—who they'd seen, what they'
