I paced the edge of the clearing, my hands curled into tight fists. The calm breeze did nothing to warm the tension sitting heavy on my chest. The air around me crackled.. not with anger, but with frustration so thick it could choke.

“We don’t have time for this, Odessa,” I snapped, whirling to face her. “You’re leading the search party now? Really? You should go back to your daughter.. and if she has any sense left, she should bring Kira out before this turns into a war!”

Silence followed, sharp and heavy. Then... movement.

Dante had said nothing as he walked past her and past me. He didn’t even...