Eleanora’s POV

I stood in front of the map room fire, watching it flicker, casting moving shadows over my bare arms. My fingers trembled slightly, whether from cold or anticipation, I didn’t know.

Behind me, Gannon moved quietly, his footsteps soft, deliberate. He didn’t speak at first. I could feel his gaze on my back.

“We don’t have to do this your way,” he said finally, voice low, rough with concern. “We can strike first. Ambush the Bone Howler. Use spies. Or go after Lucinda and Daryl before they can regroup.”

I turned to him.

“And risk more lives? Let them set the terms of this war?”

He clenched his...