Ace's POV
The witch's fingers twitched uncontrollably against her restraints, her ragged breathing creating small puffs of condensation in the cold night air. Khaleed sat rigid beside her, his human frame trembling with barely-contained panic - the tendons in his neck stood out like cords as he clenched his jaw, sweat beading along his hairline despite the evening chill. The scent of their fear hung thick between us, metallic and sour.
"Witch." My voice cut through the silence like steel through flesh. She flinched violently at the address. "Did you order the bridge destroyed?" I kept each word measured, watching how her pupils dilated with each accusation. "Was this your scheme? Force travelers onto Thunoa's vulnerable paths to make them easy prey?"
Her head shook so violently her green-streaked hair whipped across her face. "No! I swear!" The words tumbled out in a panicked rush. "I didn't even know about the bridge until after!"
