Chapter 34 Whispers Beneath the Rubble

The wind carried a dry, haunting whistle across the ridge. Vultures circled high above, their shadows crossing broken stone and scorched leaves. All was silent in the ravaged gorge, save for the soft hiss of dust shifting beneath fallen rocks.

Then, a breath.

A cough.

Prince Adelabu stirred.

His fingers twitched, brushing against loose gravel.