Perhaps it was the blood loss—or maybe just sheer exhaustion—but Kaya felt her energy drain completely. After the cold river bath, her body shivered from fatigue, and every movement felt heavier than the last. She hadn't eaten anything, hadn't even had a proper meal in hours. But her limbs refused to carry her any further.
There was nothing to sleep on. No bed, no blankets, no soft comforts. Kaya sighed, reached for a thin animal hide, and spread it over the damp grass. It was barely a barrier between her and the earth, but it would have to do.
She lay down, letting her body sink into the thin padding. Her eyes closed almost immediately. The world—the journey, the flying, the bleeding nose, even Veer's concerned gaze—all faded into darkness.
.
.
.
On the other side, in the heart of the Vulture Tribe, a strom had come.
