Daria's POV

 

 

The horn's echo hadn’t even faded when the camp sprang to life around us. Witches broke off their chants mid-ritual, warriors dropped their training and reached for blades still glistening with morning dew. I could almost feel the ground tense beneath us, as if the earth itself had caught wind of the alarm and didn’t like what it signified.

 

"Three borders," I said, my mind racing ahead of my feet. "He’s doing this to split our focus on purpose."

 

Lucius was already striding toward the war tent, his steps more determined and forceful than before. "He wants us scattered. Weak everywhere instead of strong in one spot."

 

"Then...