In the center of the ramshackle structure, a solitary figure paced – the bait to lure Asher's hunting party straight into their carefully laid trap. Damien's injuries had been bound as best they could, but he moved with a predatory grace that belied the grievous wounds beneath the makeshift bandages.

A series of faint hand signals from Aiden set them into motion. Elara melted into the gloom, circling around to flank the entrance while her companions took up overwatch positions in the hayloft above.

Her heart thundered in her ears, each ragged breath scorching her lungs as she fought to maintain control. This was it – their one shot at...