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CHAPTER 513
"Understood," I replied. "Everyone, listen up."
I paused, drawing in a steady breath before I continued.
"This isn't just a retrieval mission. This is an extraction under possible enchantment barriers. You see Zara, you don't assume she's herself. You wait. You confirm. You move on my call."
"Affirmative," came the replies.
Golden God added, "No friendly fire. And no hesitation. They've got witches, maybe some possibly undead. And gods know what else."
I turned slightly, speaking quietly to the comm. "If you find her… and I'm not the one to reach her first… don't let her go. Whatever they've done to her, whatever spell she's under—bring her back. We'll have her cured."
Davion, behind me, finally spoke again, this time without edge.
"We will. She's not theirs to keep."
I didn't turn. But I nodded once.
For a brief moment, I let my eyes close. Let the hum of the engines, the murmur of the team, and the faint crackle of magic in the air root me.
