As Cassian stepped into Commander Naset's tent, he realized everyone who mattered was already there.
Princess Aria stood near the table, calm and focused. Orlando was beside her, arms folded. Alix was there as well, along with Kaila and Janon—both sixth-circle warriors. There was one more presence Cassian recognized immediately: Aria's right-hand man, a fifth-circle warrior whose aura was steady and sharp.
Looking at the group, Cassian couldn't help but compare it to the cult's forces on this battlefield.
At the top, the balance was clear. Naset matched Bishop Kirk in power. Orlando stood as an equal to Kirk's father. The others in the tent roughly corresponded to the cult's squad leaders. At the highest levels, neither side held a clear advantage.
The cracks appeared lower down.
