Chapter 3

Silence lingered long after Kaelen's declaration.

The campfire crackled softly at the center of the clearing, sending tiny embers spiraling into the humid night.

Imperial soldiers exchanged uneasy glances while Elyra's hunters remained motionless, their expressions hidden beneath streaks of green and white paint. Even the jungle seemed to have fallen silent, as though it, too, were listening.

Kaelen stood beside the rough map scratched into the earth, calm despite the weight of every gaze upon him. He had expected resistance. He hadn't expected complete silence.

Commander Ronan broke it first.

“You've already lost ships today.” His voice stayed low.…