The wind howled through the valley.
Isaac and Alice moved slowly along the narrow path between the cliffs. The barren rock walls rose high on both sides, forming a natural corridor that funneled the wind into violent gusts. Even with the thick cloaks they wore, the cold air still slipped through and tugged at the fabric.
Loose stones crunched beneath their boots as they walked.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
They were waiting.
According to the information Avery had leaked, two members of the Ladder of Heaven carrying special intelligence were currently traveling toward a kingdom allied with the Moon Dragons. The news had been spread carefully through channels that the Sword Empress's forces were known to monitor.
If everything worked the way Isaac expected, someone from her army would come to capture them.
Alice finally broke the silence. "How long do you think it will take before they show up?"
