A sharp, freezing wind blew across the high rock ridge between the northern mountains and the southern desert.
Squad 25 sat around a small campfire near the cliff edge, taking their first rest after the battle in the Bleeding Gorge.
Behind them, colossal Zaira coiled her massive, armored body into a protective wall, blocking the bitter mountain wind with her thick scales.
Lira lay on a bed of folded wool cloaks. Her breathing was slow and steady as her internal wounds finally began to heal.
Beside her, Kiana sat quietly on a flat stone with her knees pulled close to her chest.
For the first time in years, she was without her silver mask. Her dust-rose eyes looked at her open palms, gently flexing her fingers.
"Are you in pain?" Sagiri asked gently, handing her a wooden canteen of fresh water.
Kiana looked up with a soft smile. "No. My head is quiet. The needles do not hurt anymore."
