The aircraft descended through the smoke-choked sky, the ramparts of Ravenhold growing larger beneath us. Below, soldiers were already clearing a landing zone, waving signal torches to guide us in.
The wheels touched down with a jolt, and the engines began to whine down. Reina was already at the bay door, scanning the landing zone for threats.
"Clear," she said.
"You didn't need to do that."
"Just making sure you don't have assassins or traitors within your ranks."
I followed her out, boots hitting the stone, and the moment I did, the soldiers nearest to us snapped to attention. Bloodied, exhausted, some of them barely able to stand, but they still straightened their spines when they saw me.
"At ease," I said, waving them down. "Someone get me a status report."
"Cian."
Anastasia's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. She strode toward me across the rampart, her crimson eyes alert despite the dark circles shadowing them.
