Before first light I am roused by the chill mouth of an early mist. Beyond the ShadowVeil, the world feels more quiet, as if the land itself is still breathing out relief. I look at Kael Draven, his breath even and calm despite the hurt I'm sure races through him. His lids unfurl beneath his black lashes and lie still, the first thin ambient morning light brushing the dried cadmium at his temple. He offers me a small, weary smile and for a moment it feels like the weight of the world has been lifted, if only slightly.
"We need to leave," Kael murmurs, throat raspy from nights of sleeping half‑awake and from aches that bite into him with every movement. I nod, steadying my breath. You and I both know what is at store for us: a quest to rally allies to Silverclaw and save our home and finally put an end to the Blackfangs.
