The mountain air bit through Grim's torn clothing like daggers of ice. Each breath formed clouds of vapor that hung in the thin atmosphere before dissipating into the star-filled darkness.
Willem's grave was a mound of carefully stacked stones, already dusted with frost that made it look ancient and forgotten.
"We need to move," Captain Wei said quietly, his breath was visible in the frigid air. "Morvain won't stay scattered forever. He'll regroup and come looking for us."
"Let him come," Grim replied coldly. "I still owe him for Willem."
Lianna struggled to her feet, her legs trembling from exhaustion. The torn fabric of her dress clung to her body, stained with mud, blood, and worse things from the cave. Dark circles ringed her eyes, making her face appear gaunt in the moonlight.
"How far to Yanyu territory?" she asked, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth.
"Three days if we push hard," Sergeant Liu replied. "Four if we take time to rest properly."
