Dawn Once More

The eastern sky had only just begun to pale, yet the camp was already bustling. The embers of the bonfire still glimmered, while the Hunters spoke in low, clipped voices. The air carried a damp chill, mixed with the bitterness of medicinal herbs and the scorched smell left by last night's fire.

Morel stood in the center of camp, his cloak fluttering lightly in the wind and his pipe clenched at the corner of his mouth. His eyes were cold and sharp. Before he spoke, no one said a word. Everyone waited for his orders.

"The second squad moves out first and draws off the outer perimeter." Morel's voice was steady and forceful. "The first squad departs in fifteen minutes and advances along the established route. Palm, start recording from this moment. Knov, set the portal point as you see fit. Ryan, report any anomaly immediately."

Knuckle and Shoot nodded at the same time. Knuckle pulled on his gloves and said in a low voice, "Leave the pressure on the perimeter to us. Even if they outnumber us several times over, we can hold them off." Shoot adjusted his monocle, his tone cold. "I'll keep watch on the canopy. I'll report any column movement immediately."

The two turned and strode out of camp, their figures quickly vanishing into the tree line.

Only the first squad remained inside the tent. Palm gripped her notebook tightly, her fingers trembling slightly, but her gaze was resolute. Ryan tightened the straps on his twin blades and retied the cloth around his shoulder. He looked up and saw Morel and Knov standing together—one steady as a mountain, the other calm as ice. His heart tightened faintly, but he said nothing.

"Move." Morel exhaled a plume of smoke and took the lead.

As they entered