The camp was eerily quiet despite its size. Soldiers of the Black Tide moved with purpose, their expressions hard and unreadable. The hum of the sea mixed with the occasional clank of armor and murmurs of voices, creating a tension that seemed to hang in the air like a storm cloud.
Isabella pressed her back against the rocky outcrop, her breath shallow. Caelum crouched beside her, his bow at the ready, while Malrik observed the camp from a higher vantage point. His crimson eyes glimmered faintly in the darkness.
"We'll need to split up," Malrik said in a low voice. "I'll create a distraction near the supply wagons. Isabella, you and Caelum get inside that central tent and find out who's in charge."
Isabella nodded, her fingers gripping her dagger tightly. "And if they catch us?"
"They won't," Malrik replied, a shadow of a smirk crossing his face. "But if they do, make sure you're not around long enough for them to ask questions."
Caelum raised an eyebrow. "Reassuring as always."
Malrik turned to him, his expression serious. "I mean it. If things go south, you get out of there and regroup. No heroics."
Isabella exchanged a glance with Caelum before nodding again. "We'll be careful."
Malrik moved first, his figure disappearing into the darkness. Moments later, the sound of shattering crates and startled shouts erupted from the far side of the camp. Soldiers rushed toward the commotion, their footsteps thudding against the ground.
"Now's our chance," Isabella whispered.
She and Caelum slipped through the shadows, their movements synchronized and silent. They weaved between tents and supply stacks, staying out of sight. The central tent loomed ahead, its dark canvas rippling faintly in the sea breeze. Two guards remained at the entrance, their postures rigid and alert.
Caelum motioned for Isabella to follow his lead. He nocked an arrow, aiming for a point just past the guards. The arrow struck a metal cooking pot with a loud clang, drawing the guards' attention.
"What was that?" one of them muttered, moving toward the noise.
The second guard followed, leaving the tent unguarded. Isabella and Caelum wasted no time, slipping inside with practiced ease.
The interior of the tent was dimly lit by a single lantern hanging from the center pole. Maps and documents were spread across a large wooden table, and a figure stood with their back to them, studying the materials intently. They were clad in dark armor, a crimson cape draped over their shoulders. A wicked-looking longsword hung at their side.
Isabella felt her breath catch. The figure exuded an aura of power and menace, their very presence commanding attention. She glanced at Caelum, who gave her a slight nod, his bow at the ready.
Before they could make a move, the figure spoke. "I was wondering when you'd arrive."
The voice was smooth, almost amused. The figure turned slowly, revealing a man with striking features and piercing golden eyes. A faint scar ran across his cheek, and his smirk was one of someone entirely in control.
"You've been causing quite the stir," he continued, his gaze locking onto Isabella. "And here I thought the Hollow's demise would mean a reprieve from meddlesome heroes."
"Who are you?" Isabella demanded, her dagger pointed at him.
The man chuckled, his tone patronizing. "Introductions are so tedious, but very well. I am Commander Alaric of the Black Tide. And you, I presume, are the ones who thought destroying the Hollow would solve everything."
"Why are you here?" Caelum interjected, his voice sharp. "What's the Black Tide after?"
Alaric's smirk widened. "Ah, straight to the point. Admirable, if not a bit naive. The Hollow's collapse created an opportunity—a void waiting to be filled. My employer has... interests in ensuring that void serves our purpose."
"And what purpose is that?" Isabella pressed, her grip tightening on her dagger.
"That," Alaric said, stepping closer, "is not something you'll live to see."
He moved with blinding speed, drawing his sword in a single fluid motion. Isabella barely had time to react, diving to the side as the blade sliced through the air where she had been standing. Caelum loosed an arrow, but Alaric deflected it effortlessly, his movements almost inhuman.
"Is that all you've got?" Alaric taunted, his golden eyes glinting with malice.
Isabella scrambled to her feet, her mind racing. Alaric was faster and more skilled than she had anticipated. She needed to think, to find a way to turn the odds in their favor.
Caelum fired another arrow, this one aimed at Alaric's leg. The commander dodged, but the movement gave Isabella an opening. She lunged forward, aiming for his side. Her dagger grazed his armor, but it wasn't enough to pierce through.
Alaric retaliated with a swift kick, sending her sprawling. "Impressive," he said mockingly. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But spirit alone won't save you."
Before he could strike again, a sudden explosion rocked the camp. The ground shook, and the tent's fabric billowed as flames erupted in the distance. Shouts and chaos filled the air.
Alaric frowned, his attention momentarily diverted. "What now?"
Isabella seized the opportunity, grabbing Caelum's arm. "We need to go—now!"
He hesitated, his eyes flicking between her and Alaric. Finally, he nodded, and they bolted out of the tent, disappearing into the chaos of the camp.
Malrik was waiting for them at the edge of the cliffs, his expression grim. "What happened?"
"Alaric," Isabella said breathlessly. "He's leading the Black Tide. And he's working for someone—someone who wants to exploit the Hollow's collapse."
Malrik's eyes narrowed. "Did you learn who?"
"No," she admitted. "But he's dangerous. We barely got out alive."
"We'll have to regroup and figure out our next move," Malrik said. "This is bigger than we thought."
As they retreated into the night, Isabella couldn't shake the image of Alaric's smirk or the weight of his words. The battle for the Hollow was over, but the war for what came next had just begun.