Chapter 29 Salvaging

• Friedrich's POV
• The pale morning sun cuts through the trees in slanted beams, swaying with the wind's guidance, and resembling the spotlights of a grand event. The light plays across their faces, casting shifting shadows as they gather for a brief announcement.
• I stand at the center of the clearing, and the moment I step forward, the rustling of feet halts abruptly. Clearing my throat, I force the words out with as little reluctance as I can manage. "I'm postponing the induction trials indefinitely."