The forest had gone still.
For hours, the Altanas had searched, moving like silent predators through the thick undergrowth, their armor gleaming under the moonlight.
But no matter how many times they swept the area, no matter how many shadows they peered into, the Dud and his group had vanished.
The female leader of the unit, Captain Rhysa, stood at the edge of a clearing, her sharp eyes scanning everywhere.
Her jaw clenched as the frustration in her chest boiled over. She had never failed a mission before, and yet, here she was, empty-handed, unable to bring Dean the one thing he wanted most.
"This is a waste of time," one of the Altanas muttered, stepping up beside her.
Rhysa's fingers twitched toward the hilt of her blade, but she exhaled slowly, forcing herself to remain calm.
She knew when to push and when to retreat. Right now, the smarter move was leaving.
"Fall back," she ordered, her voice clipped. "We're reporting to Dean."
---
