Chapter 6043

“The guard is too tight. There’s no way we force our way in,” Luther said, brow furrowed.

After studying the gorge for a long moment, Jared pointed to an unremarkable peak along the left flank. “There. The array weakens at that node, and the patrol leaves a three-breath gap. We move during that window.”

Luther narrowed his eyes and followed Jared’s gesture. The glyphs hovering above that particular peak glowed faintly—each pulse noticeably dimmer than the rest of the defensive cordon. Below, the torch-bearing patrol moved at a slower rhythm, leaving a slightly longer interval between passes.

“Sharp eyes, Mr. Jared.” Luther inclined his head, genuine admiration in his voice.

They slipped behind a fallen boulder and waited.

Daylight bled away inch by inch until the mountains became jagged silhouettes. The final patrol of celestials completed their sunset circuit, never noticing the two silent figures concealed among the rocks.

A moonless sky stretched overhead. Wind hissed through the ravines, stripping loose sand from the stone. It was the kind of night where shadows swallowed sound—perfect for slipping through a siege line.