The forest was eerily quiet in the days following their victory. The kingdom's retreat left behind an uneasy calm, but Aiden knew it wouldn't last. The fire in his heart burned brighter with every passing day, yet doubt whispered in his mind: how long could they keep this up?
Cara's voice broke the silence one evening as the group gathered around the campfire. "They'll be back. We barely pushed them out, and they won't make the same mistakes twice."
"She's right," Lira said. Though she was no longer with them, her betrayal still cast a long shadow. "The kingdom underestimated us once, but they won't again."
Finn glanced nervously at Aiden. "Do you think they're already planning something bigger?"
"I don't think. I know," Aiden said grimly. "Which is why we can't stay on the defensive. We have to keep moving and stay ahead of them."
Garron nodded. "Agreed. But where do we strike next?"
Aiden spread a new map on the ground. "The kingdom's main garrison lies east of here, in the valley. It's a massive stronghold, impossible to take head-on. But their supply routes—those we can destroy."
Cara leaned in, her sharp eyes scanning the map. "If we hit those supply lines, we starve them out. They'll either abandon the garrison or weaken themselves trying to protect it."
The group murmured their agreement, though tension hung in the air. This mission would be their boldest yet—and their most dangerous.
The next morning, Aiden and Cara set out to scout the kingdom's supply routes. The forest gave way to rolling hills, and soon the path opened to reveal a bustling road leading to the garrison.
"They're well-guarded," Cara observed, crouching behind a cluster of rocks. "More soldiers than we've seen before."
Aiden nodded, his gaze narrowing. "They've learned. We'll need to divide their forces if we want to stand a chance."
Cara turned to him, her expression serious. "And how do we do that?"
Aiden smirked faintly, flames flickering in his palm. "We give them something to chase."
---
The rebels' attack began with precision and chaos. Cara's arrows rained down on the supply caravan, taking out the lead guard. Garron and Finn used makeshift explosives to block the road behind them, cutting off reinforcements.
Aiden strode into the fray, fire roaring around him as he confronted the remaining guards. His power had grown in recent weeks, and he wielded it with controlled fury, overwhelming the enemy.
"Fall back!" the captain shouted, his voice tinged with fear.
The caravan scattered, leaving supplies and broken wagons in their wake. Aiden signaled to his group, and they disappeared into the forest before the kingdom's reinforcements arrived.
Back at the camp, the rebels celebrated their success. But the mood was dampened by the sight of Finn nursing a deep gash on his arm.
"I'm fine," Finn insisted, though his pale face told a different story.
Cara knelt beside him, carefully tending to the wound. "You're lucky it wasn't worse. You need to be more careful out there."
Finn looked at Aiden, his expression pained. "I just wanted to help."
"You did," Aiden said, his voice firm. "But we need everyone at full strength. No more reckless moves."
Finn nodded, guilt flickering in his eyes.