Chapter 31

The evening air hung heavy with unsaid words as Arden paced the length of their makeshift shelter. Outside, the sounds of the dragon camp had quieted to the occasional clink of armor and murmur of guard changes. Through gaps in the tent's worn fabric, moonlight cast silver patterns across the trampled earth floor.

"We have to leave tonight," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. The shadows emphasized the tension in his shoulders as he turned to face Arlena. "The northern guard rotation is lightest before dawn. I've watched their patterns."

Arlena looked up from the herbs she was sorting, her fingers stilling on the delicate leaves. "I've told you before - I won't abandon them."