Phoebe's POV
The tablet displayed Malcolm's latest message.
His words were short and to the point.
[Border's in trouble. Get here fast.]
For years, Malcolm's mercenary crew had controlled whether peace or pandemonium ruled the borderlands. Their reputation alone was enough to keep every faction in line after dominating the area for so long.
If Malcolm was calling it trouble, the situation had to be dire.
I'm dying to know who's stirring up all this mess at the border, I thought.
I stared down at the screen, considering the implications before passing the tablet back to Harold.
"The border's a war zone. Should I really be going there?"
Harold's face stayed blank, though I caught a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Absolutely. You're just going to enjoy yourself."
I could tell he was testing me right back—seeing how far I'd push before he'd rein me in.
