While Kaelen and Fen were bent over the map, marking distances and arguing over supply routes, a quieter conversation was happening at the edge of the chamber.
Balder’s voice was the first to break the uneasy silence in the planning room. It was low, almost reluctant, but carried the weight of something he had been holding back for too long.
“Eric… I need to say it. Bringing Aiden into this fight—it doesn’t feel right.”
Eric’s head turned sharply, his eyes narrowing in warning, but before he could speak, Sarah added quietly, “He’s not wrong.” She glanced toward Aiden, who sat a little apart, his angelic features faintly catching the light in ways none of them could hide anymore. Her arms wrapped tighter across her chest as if to shield him. “This land—it isn’t made for him. An angel in
