He found the group in the settlement's outer courtyard. Ironmane fighters reorganized in efficient silence. Marak's delegation stood apart, taking stock.
Leah waited at the courtyard entrance. She moved the moment she saw him—four strides that stopped just short of contact. Her eyes read his physical state instead.
"You're hurt..." she said.
"Mostly."
"She's gone?"
"For now."
"She teleported again, didn't she" Leah asked rethorically.
"She's been doing this from the beginning. Engage, assess, withdraw. She's not trying to win fights—she's trying to understand my limits before the final engagement." Owen looked east. The settlement's geometry curved between them and whatever was building out there.
"She knows about a new skill i awakened mid fight, Draconic Resonance. She'll have a countermeasure when we meet again."
