Chereads / Brothers of the Dawn / Chapter 15 - Shadows and Threads

Chapter 15 - Shadows and Threads

Shadows and Threads

The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the clan's war room as Adewan stood at the center, his fingers tracing a new set of markers on the map. The Oblivion Order's movements were becoming more brazen, their attacks growing closer to the clan's core regions. Beside him, Lira leaned against the edge of the table, her sharp eyes scanning the map for patterns.

"This doesn't make sense," Lira muttered, brushing a strand of dark hair from her face. "They're too scattered. Either their leadership is incompetent, or they're playing us."

Adewan didn't reply immediately, his mind dissecting the possibilities. The pieces of the puzzle weren't aligning, but something in his gut told him this wasn't chaos—it was deliberate misdirection.

"They're stalling," Adewan finally said, his tone calm but firm. "They want us to commit forces to the wrong areas while they prepare for something bigger. Look here." He pointed to a seemingly quiet region near the southern border.

Lira frowned. "The southern border? That's nothing but wasteland."

"Exactly," Adewan replied, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "No one would expect a strike there. It's perfect for an ambush."

Before Lira could respond, a knock echoed from the heavy wooden doors. Adewan's younger brother, Akane, entered, his crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light. He carried a quiet confidence now, his recent training under Zephyr having honed his control.

"You called?" Akane asked, his voice carrying an edge of curiosity.

Adewan nodded. "We need to talk strategy. The Oblivion Order's next move isn't what it seems, and I need someone who can act outside their expectations."

Akane smirked, crossing his arms. "You mean someone who doesn't play by the rules."

"Exactly." Adewan gestured to the map. "If we're right, they'll strike the southern border within the week. I want you to scout the area, but don't engage unless necessary. Your job is to confirm their presence and report back."

Akane's smirk widened. "So, you want me to babysit a wasteland? Sounds thrilling."

Lira rolled her eyes. "This isn't a joke, Akane. If you get caught—"

"I won't," Akane interrupted, his tone suddenly serious. "Trust me."

As Akane left the room, Adewan turned back to Lira. "He'll be fine. He's not the same reckless kid he used to be."

"I hope you're right," Lira said, her voice softening. "Because if the Order's pulling something this bold, they're not playing games anymore."

Elsewhere: Kane's Mission

The cold night air bit at Kane's skin as he led his team through the dense forest. Zeylan's orders had been clear: locate and eliminate the Oblivion Order's scouts. Dren, the young recruit, followed closely behind, his expression a mix of determination and unease.

"Keep your guard up," Kane said, his voice low but steady. "The Order doesn't leave trails unless they want to be found."

Dren nodded, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Do you think they know we're coming?"

"They always know," Kane replied, scanning the shadows for movement. "The question is whether we can outsmart them."

As the group moved deeper into the forest, the silence was broken by a sudden rustling. Kane raised a hand, signaling his team to stop.

From the darkness, a figure emerged—a man clad in black armor, his face obscured by a mask. His aura radiated malice, and in his hand, he held a jagged blade that seemed to hum with energy.

"Well, well," the man said, his voice dripping with mockery. "The clan's finest come to play. How quaint."

Kane stepped forward, his blade gleaming in the moonlight. "If you value your life, you'll surrender now."

The man laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "Surrender? To you? Let's see if you're as strong as they say."

With a burst of speed, the man lunged at Kane, his blade aimed for the warrior's heart. Kane parried with ease, his movements fluid and precise. The clash of steel echoed through the forest as the two warriors exchanged blows, their battle a blur of speed and power.

Dren watched in awe, his heart pounding. Kane moved like a force of nature, every strike calculated and devastating.

But the man in black wasn't an ordinary scout. As the fight dragged on, he began to unleash strange, dark energy, his attacks growing more erratic and unpredictable. Kane gritted his teeth, his body straining against the onslaught.

"Dren!" Kane called out, his voice sharp. "Fall back and alert the others. Now!"

Dren hesitated, his loyalty warring with his fear. But one look at Kane's determined expression was enough. He nodded and sprinted back toward the camp, leaving his mentor to face the enemy alone.

In the Shadows: The Oblivion Order's Plan

Deep within a hidden chamber, Nihil stood before a massive void crystal, its surface pulsing with dark energy. Lyssara knelt at his side, her eyes glowing with a sinister light.

"The pieces are falling into place," Nihil said, his voice calm and deliberate. "The clan is scattered, their leaders distracted. Soon, we will strike the heart of their defenses."

Lyssara smirked, her fingers tracing the edge of the crystal. "And the brothers? They're stronger than we anticipated."

"They'll fall," Nihil replied, his tone unwavering. "Even gods can bleed."

As the crystal's light dimmed, the room was filled with a chilling silence, the promise of chaos lingering in the air.

To be continued…