The thought made her lips curl in faint irritation. That man was always a riddle, always thinking ten steps ahead of others.
But she shook her head lightly, refusing to let her unease show on her face. She couldn't afford to falter. The survivors behind her depended on her sharpness, her decisiveness. And so she pressed forward, steady and silent.
By the time the jagged silhouette of the fortress came into view, a hush spread across the group. What loomed ahead was not just another camp. It seemed to be a stronghold, its walls glowing faintly with rune-etched patterns of defense, flickering lights blazing like stubborn stars in the devouring darkness.
Ling Yu's eyes narrowed as understanding clicked instantly into place. "So that's what's happening…" she murmured, almost to herself.
