Chapter 97: The Weight of Leadership

The mine tunnels echoed with the weary footsteps of the dragoons as they made their way toward the exit. The oppressive darkness and suffocating heat of the mine were finally behind them, but the weight of their losses hung heavily in the stale air.

Faolan led the way, her keen senses guiding the team through the labyrinth of rock and stone, her nose twitching at every new scent.

As they moved, soldiers from the split teams began to rejoin them, their faces grim. Some men were visibly wounded—bandages hastily wrapped around arms and legs, blood staining their fatigues. Many limped, others leaned on comrades for support, but all were determined to get out of the mine with as few casualties as possible.

Parker took a headcount, his expression growing darker with each tally. “We’re missing eight,” he said, his voice rough with frustration and fatigue. “Three of the teams are down men, and the rest are hurt.”

Reilynn’s face was set in a hard line as she scanned the group. “We knew it was