The night before battle was too quiet.
Raine sensed it—not just in the silence, but in the tension that buzzed beneath it. Like the forest was holding its breath. Like something was off.
She stood outside the strategy tent, arms folded, scanning the trees. Something tugged at her instincts—an itch she couldn't scratch.
Inside, Ezra was updating the final battle plans, Xavier double-checking guard positions, Leena and Micah sharpening weapons. Everything was in motion.
Until the scream shattered the stillness.
Raine spun around. "That came from the eastern ridge."
Xavier was already moving. "Let's go!"
They sprinted through the darkened camp, a few others trailing behind. When they reached the ridge, what they saw brought everything to a halt.
A scout—Raneel—lay dead, throat slashed, his blood soaking into the earth.
"A sudden attack." Ezra said, crouching beside the body.
"No…" Raine's voice was cold. She knelt and ran her fingers through the air above the wound. Her silver glow lit up the faint traces of magic still lingering.
"This was done from within."
Footsteps thundered behind them. A group of warriors dragged a hooded figure forward.
"We caught him trying to signal the eastern watch post," one growled. "He had Council runes on him."
The hood was ripped off.
Raine froze.
"Kellen?"
It was one of their own. Young, loyal—or so she'd thought. He looked up, blood staining his lips, and laughed bitterly.
"Do you think you're chosen?" he spat at Raine. "That you're destined to lead us to freedom? You're just another cursed bloodline clinging to false hope."
Xavier moved forward, growling low. "You betrayed your pack. You cost a life."
"I saved us," Kellen hissedin pain. "The Council promised peace if we gave you up. I believed them."
"You were a fool," Raine said, her voice cutting. "There's no peace with oppressive rulers. They only control." she said as she smirked
Kellen smiled. "Then die in your misleading belief."
A hidden blade flashed from his sleeve—aimed directly at Raine.
But before it could touch her, Xavier stepped in, blocking it with his arm. The steel barely scraped him, but Raine didn't hesitate.
With a flick of her wrist and a flash of silver light, Kellen collapsed, unconscious—bound in magical chains.
Leena cursed under her breath. "That won't be the last."
Micah nodded grimly. "If one of us could fall, who knows how many more they've turned?"
Raine stood slowly, her body trembling with fury.
"No more hiding. No more doubts."
She looked around at the gathering warriors, all shaken by the betrayal.
"Check every sentry post. Every campfire. We clean house before the sun rises."
Her voice echoed into the trees.
"Let them come." She said boldly staring into the air.