And now—outsiders had entered the equation.
He stood up and addressed them.
"Tomorrow," Orion said calmly, "we'll go to your settlement."The scout stiffened slightly, then nodded.
"Tonight," Orion continued, "we rest. We prepare. And we don't make assumptions."
He looked at his team.
"And we don't act like conquerors."
No one argued.
Orion turned his gaze back toward the forest, mind already working ahead.
Tomorrow, they would step into Sylgrid territory properly.
And from there—
They'd take it one layer at a time.
The next day came quietly.
They woke early, cleaned up, checked equipment, and moved out without unnecessary conversation. Selene handled the last traces of dirt and blood with her cleaning skill, and within minutes they were ready. No one lingered. No one complained. Whatever curiosity or tension remained was kept in check.
The Sylgrid scout led the way.
