CHAPTER 131 — THE ANCHOR BENEATH STONE
The desert was quiet in a way that felt unnatural. Not peaceful. Watchful.
Ruinsand's eastern wall stood intact behind them, but no one believed it would remain untouched forever. The Sovereign construct still rested half-submerged beyond the dunes, dormant but not gone. Its presence lingered like a blade sheathed but ready.
Long Hao walked slowly.
Not because he was weak.
Because Zehell would not let him rush.
"You're walking too fast," she said flatly.
He glanced sideways at her.
"I'm not."
"You are."
Colby snorted quietly from behind them.
"She's right."
Marek elbowed him immediately.
"Not helpful."
Zehell didn't look back.
Her spear rested across her shoulder, casual posture disguising how tightly she was monitoring him. Every slight hitch in his breath. Every micro-stagger in his step.
After the blackout, the Guild had insisted on escort.
Long Hao refused.
So Bronze Squad came instead.
Not as escort.
As decision.
