Zephyrion looked at Lumi and placed a finger against his lips. There was a question in her eyes, but there was also unconditional trust. She gave a small nod. Slowly, they began backing away in silence, without making a single sound, cursing himself for not realizing it sooner.
The completely abandoned settlement filled with supplies. The refusal of their pursuers to follow them here. The lack of lights in every house. This wasn't a settlement made by the academy for the cadets.
They'd just walked into a den of Shrikes.
'There's still a chance.'
Shrikes were smart and strong, each carrying the power of at least a Mark Six, yet they were nocturnal creatures. As long as the sun remained above the horizon, they wouldn't emerge. They still had a chance to leave.
