The outer village of Stonebrook lay quiet under a thin moon when the raid struck. Moonclaw warriors poured from the trees like dark water, blades flashing as they set roofs alight and drove villagers toward the center square.
I felt the alarm through the bond before the first runner reached the keep. Lila, Thorne, and Elara had insisted on leading the response with a junior team.
For the first time the kings and I stayed behind to hold Frostfang. The children rode out at full gallop with twenty fighters, their small frames steady in the saddle.
Lila reached the village first. She expanded her shield in a wide dome that covered the central square and the nearest homes. Flames slowed against the shimmer. Arrows bounced harmlessly. Villagers huddled beneath it while she directed the team with clear commands.
