Caelan POV:
The road doesn’t feel empty after the northern wolves withdraw.
It feels observed.
Pressure rarely vanishes when the threat steps back. Vaelor remains alert beneath my ribs. I see the same awareness in Rourke as he holds position longer than necessary, gaze fixed down the route as though daring them to try again.
Only when the silence settles into something believable do we move.
He leads us up toward the ridge overlooking the corridor, stride sharp and purposeful now that restraint is no longer required. Rowan spreads outward in habitual sweeps, scanning the treeline with the ease of someone who grew up reading this land. Rhydan keeps close at my shoulder, steady and watchful, his presence a constant reassurance rather than a coiled threat.
Elara walks beside me, calm de
