Chapter 181. A Small Victory

Eryndor’s POV

We humans were camped in a small clearing deep within the forest. Gertrude and Corvin stood watch at opposite edges of our encampment, weapons at the ready against any outside threat. Closer to the center, Auraya and Petunia fussed over frightened civilians, doing their best to soothe anxious mothers and crying children.

The High Seer, however, seemed distracted—his gaze fixed on the distant horizon beyond the treeline. He hadn’t eaten in days, just like the rest of the Radiant Circle; quietly, they’d all been giving their rations to the starving refugees.

A sudden shout cut through the tense stillness: “Where is the food?! Eryndor probably abandoned us again!” It came from Bowl Cut, the only person still sharp enough to shout. Most of the others sat slumped against trees, too exhausted or too hungry to care one way or the other.

“Eryndor would never abandon you! You’re his people, too!” Auraya fired back, her voice echoing off the trunk