CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE - Whispers From Tomorrow's Dawn

"Gabriel, how much further?" Lucas whispered, his golden eyes scanning the darkness ahead. Gabriel, a lean figure with haunted eyes, pointed toward a barely visible path winding between two ancient oaks. "This way. The servants' entrance is just beyond that ridge." Vulcan cast a suspicious glance at their guide. "And you're sure this route isn't monitored?" His hand rested casually on the hilt of his blade, a gesture not lost on Gabriel. "As sure as I can be," Gabriel replied, tension evident in the set of his shoulders. "Victor considers these paths beneath his notice. They're for the staff, the expendables." Lucas felt the familiar tug in his chest—a sensation that had grown stronger with every step into enemy territory. Aria was close, her presence humming through their mate bond like electricity. The feeling was both comforting and maddening. "She's here," Lucas murmured, more to himself than the others. Lilaya moved closer, her voice barely audible. "Can you sense where exac