[Then the next step is surveying the site in person. The remote analysis is thorough, but there are variables that require physical presence. Soil composition. Water table depth. The exact condition of the spring system.]
[ And—]
"And?"
[And there's the other matter. The one you've been avoiding.]
Alex's stomach tightened. "I haven't been avoiding anything."
[Host, you have not mentioned the Shadow Lord once since leaving the lion territory. Not to your mates. Not to me. Not to anyone. You have focused entirely on the sanctuary construction as though that is the only thing requiring your attention.]
"The sanctuary is what requires my attention. It's the whole reason we—"
[The sanctuary is a building. The Shadow Lord is an active threat who has already sent assassins once and will almost certainly try again. You cannot build anything lasting while that threat remains unaddressed.]
Alex was quiet.
