"Everything is risky," Jorghan replied.
"But this gives us a chance. More importantly, it gives our people time. Every Haelve we eliminate is one less hunting us. Every day we delay their operations is another day for the settlements to prepare better defenses."
"Or to evacuate entirely," Vel'sara added thoughtfully.
"If the situation becomes truly untenable, buying time might mean the difference between organized withdrawal and panicked flight."
Eben spoke up again, his voice troubled. "There's something else you should know. The Empire isn't just hunting randomly. They're targeting specific bloodlines—families with documented magical talent, individuals with rare abilities. I gave them lists."
His shame was visible.
"They know who the priority targets are."
"Who?" Sigora demanded.
