The attack turned out to be real. Lyanna stood in the war room with Azrael, Victor, Adrian, and Sienna, watching as scouts confirmed the intelligence. Crimson Cross forces were indeed preparing for an attack at dawn, exactly as Sienna's source had warned.
"We have three hours until sunrise." Adrian said. "If we send forces now, we can defeat them."
"Do it." Azrael ordered. "I want evacuation routes cleared for civilians and our fastest riders ready to call for reinforcements if needed."
The order spread quickly. Within an hour, reports came back that their forces had reached the territory. Dawn arrived. The Crimson Cross attacked and was defeated. The casualties were minimal, and the attackers retreated defeated.
"We saved them." Sienna said as the final report came in. "If we had waited for verification, and delayed the response, people would have died."
Lyanna couldn't argue.
"You were right." Lyanna admitted. "The quick response saved the lives."
