Kai stepped out of the shadows of the rock formation and planted his boots firmly in the centre of the dirt path.
The night air blew gently through the narrow canyon, carrying the faint smell of woodsmoke from the distant campfires.
Lilith stopped walking immediately.
She did not reach for the curved blade resting on her hip, nor did she call out for her guards.
She simply stood her ground and tilted her head to the side.
It was the same motion Millenia had used back at the ballroom gala. Kai felt a cold weight settle deep in his stomach as he recognised the shared mannerism.
They had been close once, perhaps even allies, long before this war started.
The way they analysed a threat was identical.
"Millennia sent a human to do this," Lilith said, letting out a soft sigh.
Her voice was low and held a trace of amusement.
"She really has gone soft in her old age. I expected her to send an assassin from the inner circle."
