"That's not saying much," she muttered, then sighed. "You think whatever's down there will wait for you to come knocking?"
"It hasn't moved yet," Lindarion said quietly. "That means it's either gathering strength, or waiting to be found."
Nysha folded her arms. "And you're volunteering to be its messenger."
He didn't answer. The silence between them said enough.
She exhaled, frustration bleeding through the hard edge of her voice. "Fine. But if you die, I'll drag you back just to kill you again."
Ashwing snorted. "You could try, shadow girl, but I'd bite you first."
Nysha rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't bite anyone."
"I might nibble."
Lindarion's smile ghosted across his lips. Then, more softly, "Take care of them. The soldiers still train by instinct. They'll need direction if something shifts."
Her gaze lingered on him. "You talk like you're not coming back."
"I talk like I've seen enough war to know I can't promise otherwise."
