Petra lifted her voice, firm and strong. “It’s over for now! Everyone inside! No one leaves their houses until we say so!”
People began to move, though their eyes stayed on us—especially Asher. His mark still glowed faintly, and whispers spread through the group like wind through leaves.
“Is that Asher?”
“He’s glowing.”
“I thought he didn’t have power.”
“What happened out there?”
Asher ignored them. He just guided me toward the steps of the packhouse, keeping his hand lightly on my back. Gage followed close behind, exhaustion in every movement.
Inside, the air was thick with tension. Dennis called a quick meeting in the great hall. The warriors and senior members gathered around the large table. The three of us stood off to the side while they discussed what had happened.
Dennis’s
