Tristan stopped before Alexander first, bowing. "Your Highness."
"Commander Tristan," Alexander greeted. "How are the lines?"
"Holding," Tristan said. "Barely in some areas, comfortably in others. The reinforcements helped."
His gaze shifted toward Elion. "And your arrival will help more."
Elion rubbed the back of his neck. "No pressure then."
Aeron leaned closer to Maya and whispered loudly, "He says that like he doesn't love being dramatic."
"I heard that," Elion said without looking.
"I intended you to."
Zenovia's lips twitched faintly.
For a short moment, despite the tense camp and the heavy atmosphere, things felt almost normal again.
Alexander spoke.
"We were attacked at the second checkpoint last night."
The mood changed instantly.
Tristan's expression hardened. "Demons?"
"Yes. A coordinated force. They had a caster and a stronger commander-type demon with them."
Aeron's brows drew together. "That far behind the lines?"
