As the sun hovered over the horizon, a somber mood followed the procession led by Fariane, who held Vanima in her arms. The soft rhythmic rise and fall of her chest reassured those who feared the worst. Asena growled at any who got too close. The wolf took her position as the protector of the leader of the Shadow Breakers seriously.

When she reached the hole that they blasted away to enter the town, Fariane observed the battlefield. The surviving elves had spread out, separating the dead. She looked over at Saida and said, “Did they decide what to do with the fallen?”

Instead of answering, she vanished. A shriek came from a nearby roof, followed by her return. “The scout says they plan to have a funeral pyre tonight."

Their presence at the entrance drew the attenti...

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