"So, the plan is to leave four days before the Solstice," Xander summarized, his gaze moving between the three men seated with him by the water's edge at the Veil. "We camp in the cloaking cave until the day itself, then move out for the ritual."
Zephyr gave a single, slow nod. Beside him, Ralph and Zeeb mirrored the gesture. They had laid out the strategy, and now, as always, they waited. No matter that Zephyr was Alpha, no matter that his own strategic mind was sharp and formidable, Xander's opinion was the final whetstone upon which every plan was honed. He was his mentor after all.
"It's a good plan," Xander concluded, leaning back to brace himself on his hands.
"Four days gives us a buffer. By the time Hati realizes she's with us, we'll be shrouded. Even the Dark King can't breach Laluna's rules on the Solstice itself. Not yet at least."
