Ovelia's POV
My fingers clenched around Ace's sword hilt until the leather groaned in protest. This weight… it's heavier than the kitchen cleavers I'm used to. But if it means protecting Ace— I cut off the thought as Chief Gareth's shadow fell across us.
"Where are you two headed?" His voice rumbled through the quiet house like distant thunder. The teacup in his hands trembled slightly, sending tiny waves across the dark surface of his brew. The deep grooves between his eyebrows deepened as his gaze locked onto the weapon at my hip.
After everything he'd done for us, Chief Gareth deserved truth, even if it meant facing his wrath.
"Chief Gareth," I began, my voice thin as parchment. A cold sweat prickled between my shoulder blades. "We have to warn Ace, Ray and Philip." The words came faster now, tumbling over each other in their rush to escape. "Witches are moving toward the northwest forest tonight—they're working with the bandits. If we don't go now—"
