The Uneasy Camp
Night draped the camp in an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional murmur of guards and the faint rustle of leaves in the wind. Torches flickered weakly, their glow barely piercing the darkness. Tension thickened the air like a heavy mist, and whispers of betrayal spread among the soldiers.
Leon paced at the edge of the camp, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His thoughts churned as he replayed Lyara's report of faint magical traces near the eastern perimeter. The depot fire had thrown the alliance into chaos, and the strain was starting to show in every corner of the camp.
Atlas approached silently, his presence grounding. "You've been out here for hours."
Leon glanced at him but didn't stop pacing. "I can't sit still, not while someone within our ranks might be working against us."
Atlas's jaw tightened, his gaze scanning the dark forest beyond. "We'll find them. Whoever's behind this, they won't get away."
Leon paused, his expression grim. "It's not just about the saboteur. It's everything. The alliance feels like it's splintering. Every meeting turns into an argument. How can we fight Lysander like this?"
Atlas stepped closer, his voice firm. "You're holding them together. Don't let the doubts win."
Leon met his gaze, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Thanks. I just hope you're right."
---
Division Among Leaders
The war tent buzzed with barely restrained frustration as the allied leaders gathered once again. Princess Samirah Bint Khadija of Al-Qarath stood at the head of the table, her presence as commanding as ever. Her sharp emerald eyes swept over the room.
"This alliance is faltering," she said coldly. "Every delay emboldens Lysander. If we don't act decisively, we might as well surrender now."
Prince Jianren Xiang of Zhaoling remained composed, his tiger spirit seated beside him like a living shadow. His tone was measured but firm. "Haste leads to disaster, Princess. We need to understand our enemy's strategy before we move."
Samirah's lips curled into a faint smirk. "And while we meditate on our next steps, Lysander burns our supplies and laughs at our hesitation."
Leon raised a hand, his voice cutting through the rising tension. "Enough. We all want to stop Lysander, but turning on each other will only help him. Lyara's wards have identified magical traces. We're working on tracking them."
Samirah crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "And if this saboteur strikes again before you find them?"
Lyara stepped forward, holding a faintly glowing crystal. "The traces are faint but consistent. They lead toward the eastern perimeter."
Jianren inclined his head, his tiger spirit rising to its feet. "Then we have a lead. What do you suggest, Mondell?"
Leon met his gaze. "We increase patrols and keep our movements quiet. If the saboteur is still nearby, we'll find them."
---
Whispers in the Shadows
Later that night, Leon stood at the eastern perimeter, his eyes scanning the dark expanse of trees. The faint magical traces Lyara had identified were still present, glowing faintly in the crystal he carried. Every rustle of leaves set his nerves on edge.
Atlas stood beside him, his weapon drawn. "The patrols haven't reported anything unusual."
Leon frowned. "It doesn't feel right. Whoever sabotaged the depot—they're not amateurs. They're staying just out of reach."
A sudden movement in the shadows caught Leon's attention. He froze, his hand tightening on his sword hilt. "Did you see that?"
Atlas nodded, his voice low. "Stay close."
They moved cautiously toward the source of the disturbance. A cloaked figure stepped into the faint torchlight, their hands raised in mock surrender. "Relax," the figure said smoothly. "I'm not here to fight."
Leon's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled, their tone laced with amusement. "Just a messenger. Lysander sends his regards."
Before Leon could respond, the figure threw down a small orb. Smoke erupted in a blinding flash, and when it cleared, they were gone.
Atlas cursed under his breath. "They're testing us."
Leon's jaw tightened. "And taunting us. But we'll make them regret it."
---
Tensions Rise
The next morning, the leaders gathered once again in the war tent. Lyara held the glowing crystal aloft, its light pulsing faintly. "The magical traces have grown stronger. Whoever that was last night, they're leaving a trail."
Samirah's voice was sharp. "Then why are we still talking? Let's end this."
Jianren's calm tone countered, "Rushing in without understanding the enemy's plan is reckless. If Lysander set this up, it's likely a trap."
Samirah's emerald eyes narrowed. "Perhaps you're comfortable with hesitation, Prince Xiang, but Al-Qarath doesn't waste time on indecision."
Leon stepped between them, his voice steady. "Enough. Bjorn, Nathan, gather a small team. We're tracking this lead."
Atlas stepped forward, his expression resolute. "I'm coming with you."
Leon nodded. "We leave now. If they think they can toy with us, they're about to learn otherwise."