052

Adrian’s POV

The morning air crisp against my skin. I found Kyle where I expected him to be, he had a sword in his hand and he was training alone before the others arrived.

That was one thing about Kyle. He didn’t wait for others to start something. He just did it.

I stood watching for a few seconds and folded my arms, then I called out, “You’re going to wear out the blade before breakfast.”

Kyle turned with a grin, sweat clinging to his brow.

“I’ve been thinking,” I said, glancing up at the ridgeline just behind the training field. “We need a new vantage point. Something really tall. Maybe an office. Somewhere I can see everything, including who’s coming and going and who might be hiding in the woods.”

Kyle followed my gaze. “You want to build it there?”

“Yea, a place that’s both an office and a watchpoint. Something that keeps us ready for whatever’s coming.”

He nodded slowly, “Have you thought about it properly?”

“I have,” I said. “And I want you to be part of it.”

Kyle tilted hi