Selene's eyes narrowed. "What's worse is that they're said to be rallying behind a new leader. Someone more dangerous than Dean. If that's true…"
She trailed off, her voice dropping to a whisper. "We can't afford to underestimate them. They've been playing the long game, and we've only just caught up."
Vardy exhaled sharply, his eyes closing as if to shut out her words. "I know. I know. But we need to find them. We need to strike first before they can organize, before they can spread their influence again. I can't let this city fall back into chaos."
"You won't," Selene said, her voice soft. "You've already proven that you can lead, Vardy. Haven is a testament to that."
Vardy didn't respond immediately. His mind was filled with images of Ferah, her sacrifice, her bravery. It was her loss that had struck the hardest blow.
It was her death that haunted his every step. He had led them to victory, but at what cost? What had he truly gained?
