Demetrius gestured toward Sam, "Sam," Demetrius ordered, his tone shifting back to tactical efficiency. "Take three guards back to the stronghold garages. I want a transport convoy brought down to the lower ridge line immediately to collect our fallen. We bring every single one of them home."
"Right away, Alpha," Sam replied with a crisp nod, signaling his men as they quickly turned to sprint back toward the forest path.
Demetrius turned back to me, his expression softening as he took my hand in his. "Come on, let's get you back to the stronghold."
I shook my head firmly, tightening my grip on his fingers as I looked out over the quiet canyon. "No. I want to stay until they're gone, too."
Demetrius studied my face for a long moment, seeing the quiet, immovable resolve in my eyes. A fli
