Seraphina's mental presence added weight to the briefing. "You all performed excellently today. Professional fighting retreat, minimal casualties, good discipline. Lord Satou would be proud. Get rest tonight. Tomorrow we show the humans what it costs to attack real fortifications."
Jessica's voice cut in. "Medical summary: six critically wounded are stabilized and will survive, but won't return to combat this week. Fourteen minor wounds will be combat-ready tomorrow. We have medical supplies for approximately five more days at this casualty rate."
"Loki's reinforcements are four days away," Seraphina noted. "The margins are tight."
"Then we make it work," Lyra said firmly. "Everyone get food and rest. Tomorrow starts early."
Midnight:
Long after both armies had settled into night watch rotations, Lyra sat alone in the command tent, studying maps by lamplight.
Seraphina materialized beside her—not walking in, simply existing where she hadn't been a moment before.
