_Dorian's POV_
After the last trap was reset and the wires were checked again, I took one final walk along the cliff's edge. The dawn light spread across the valley like soft gold, touching the broken leaves, the disturbed gravel, and the faint smoke trails that still clung to the air. My boots crunched over damp earth, and I inhaled deeply. The scent of metal and ash lingered, but it didn’t smell like defeat.
It smelled like a warning.
I turned toward Marcus, who stood near the trees, checking over one of the trigger lines. His face was calm and focused. But I knew him too well. He was waiting—just like me—for what came next.
“Keep watch,” I said firmly. “Aaron could try again. He is not the type to lick his wounds for long.”
Marcus nodded. “I figured as much.”
“I want the men to st
