The citadel loomed ahead, its towering walls glowing faintly under the moonlight. As the trio approached, the sounds of chaos from the eastern wall faded behind them, replaced by an ominous stillness. Soldiers rushed past, some carrying wounded comrades, others shouting orders to reinforce barricades. The streets were lined with frightened civilians being shepherded toward safety, their whispers carried on the cold night air.
Damien, Amara, and Carys moved swiftly, their faces grim as they navigated the winding streets leading to the citadel gates.
"Vale has to know we're onto him by now," Carys said, her green eyes darting toward the high walls of the citadel. "He'll expect us to follow."
"Good," Damien said, his steel-gray eyes fixed on the citadel. "Let him. He's running out of places to hide."
Amara smirked faintly, adjusting the strap of her leather gauntlet. "You're awfully confident for someone walking into what's clearly a trap."
