Chapter 69. Leave the Bastard to Me

VESTA

We arrived at the northern camp just as dusk settled over the landscape, casting shadows that stretched long and dark across the forest floor. Hidden behind the trees, we watched the camp in silence, observing every detail of the guard rotation.

Torches lit the perimeter, their glow casting an orange hue over the guards pacing back and forth. It was clear from even a quick glance that Xerxes was heavily fortified here.

“The security is tight,” Sigrid muttered as she watched the gate, her eyes narrow with concentration. “Dare I say, tighter than it is in the capital. Sneaking in would be impossible for even a mouse.”

She was right; guards were stationed at every possible entry point, with more standing watch on the towering walls and watchtowers, scanning the area below.

The only thing keeping us hidden was the thick canopy of leaves above us and the trees shielding us from view. But still, we’d be visible if we ventured any closer.

“If it’s