The team limped through the Valley for another hour before Korr raised his hand.
"Hold up. I feel something ahead."
Gregor, still cracked across the chest but healing steadily, stopped and narrowed his eyes. "Beast?"
"No, it's human and a single signature." Korr paused, his brow furrowing. "But the density is... wrong. I've never felt anything like it."
"Should we go around?" Mira asked.
Gregor considered. "If it's another contractor, they might have information. Or a trade. We've got herbs to spare."
They advanced cautiously, shields up, weapons ready. The Valley opened into a small clearing, and there, sitting cross-legged on a flat rock in the center, was a young man.
