Chapter Fifteen: The First Strike
The sun hung low in the sky as Aeliana and the rebels approached the outskirts of the city. The air was tense, filled with the quiet anticipation of battle. Aeliana held the wardstone close to her chest, its glow muted beneath the folds of her cloak. Each pulse of its power resonated with the fire inside her, steadying her nerves as they neared their target.
Kaen walked beside her, his sharp features set in grim determination. Behind them, the small group of rebels moved in silence, their weapons concealed beneath their cloaks. They were outnumbered, under-resourced, and dangerously exposed. Yet the flicker of hope in their eyes was undeniable. They believed in her, in what the wardstone could do. Aeliana only hoped she could live up to their expectations.
"The outpost is just ahead," Kaen said, his voice low. "It's heavily guarded, but the wardstone should disrupt their magical defenses long enough for us to break through."
Aeliana nodded, gripping the wardstone tighter. "And then?"
"We disable the wards entirely and secure the outpost," Kaen replied. "If we succeed, it'll be a major blow to Kaelion's hold on the city."
"If," Aeliana repeated, her stomach twisting. "And if we fail?"
Kaen glanced at her, his blue eyes unwavering. "Then we die fighting for something that matters."
Aeliana's breath hitched, but she forced herself to nod. "Then let's not fail."
The outpost loomed before them, a towering structure of black stone encircled by glowing runes. It was smaller than the palace but no less imposing, its high walls bristling with fae guards armed to the teeth. The faint hum of magic filled the air, a barrier of energy shimmering faintly around the perimeter.
Aeliana's heart pounded as they crouched behind a cluster of boulders, hidden from view. She could feel the barrier's power pressing against her senses, cold and unyielding. The wardstone thrummed in her hand, its energy responding to the proximity of the magical defenses.
Kaen knelt beside her, his expression unreadable. "Are you ready?"
"No," Aeliana admitted, her voice trembling. "But I'll do it anyway."
Kaen gave her a faint smile, the closest thing to reassurance he could offer. "Good."
Aeliana closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath as she focused on the ember of magic within her. The wardstone pulsed in her hand, its energy syncing with hers as she channeled her power into it. The golden threads of her magic wove through the stone, amplifying its energy until the air around her crackled with heat.
The rebels watched in awe as the wardstone began to glow brighter, its light spilling out in golden waves. Aeliana's body trembled with the effort of holding it steady, but she gritted her teeth and pressed on.
"Now!" Kaen shouted, signaling the others.
The rebels surged forward, weapons drawn as they charged the outpost. Aeliana stayed behind, her focus entirely on the wardstone as it released a powerful pulse of energy. The barrier surrounding the outpost flickered, its glow dimming before shattering like glass.
The sound of the barrier collapsing echoed through the air, followed by the clash of steel as the rebels engaged the guards. Aeliana opened her eyes, sweat dripping down her face as she took in the chaos before her.
Kaen's voice rang out above the fray. "Hold the line! Push forward!"
Aeliana scrambled to her feet, clutching the wardstone as she followed the rebels into the fray. The guards were skilled and well-trained, their movements precise as they fought to defend the outpost. But the rebels were driven by desperation and hope, their attacks fueled by the belief that they could win.
Aeliana focused her magic, releasing bursts of golden light that disoriented the guards and created openings for the rebels to strike. She felt the fire inside her burn brighter with each pulse of energy, her confidence growing as the tide of the battle began to shift.
The rebels pushed deeper into the outpost, their victory seeming almost within reach. Aeliana and Kaen led the charge, their combined efforts overwhelming the remaining guards. But as they entered the central courtyard, a chilling presence brought them to a sudden halt.
A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and imposing, with armor that gleamed like black ice. His face was partially obscured by a dark helm, but the crimson glow of his eyes was unmistakable.
Aeliana's breath caught in her throat as the man stepped forward, his voice a low growl. "Fools. Did you think you could strike against the king and go unnoticed?"
Kaen stepped in front of Aeliana, his sword raised. "We're not afraid of you."
The general laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You should be."
Without warning, he moved, his speed inhuman as he closed the distance between them. Kaen barely had time to block the first strike, the force of the blow sending him staggering backward. The rebels surged forward to help, but the general cut through them with brutal efficiency, his blade leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Aeliana's heart pounded as she watched the battle unfold, her hands shaking as she clutched the wardstone. She could feel the fire within her begging to be unleashed, but fear held her back.
Kaen's voice broke through her paralysis. "Aeliana! Now!"
She looked up to see him locked in combat with the general, struggling to hold his ground. The other rebels were falling around him, their efforts no match for the general's overwhelming strength.
Aeliana took a deep breath, her grip on the wardstone tightening. No more running. No more hiding.
She stepped forward, her magic flaring to life as golden threads of light erupted from her hands. The general turned, his crimson eyes narrowing as the light engulfed him. He raised his blade, but the magic struck with enough force to send him crashing to the ground.
The rebels stared in stunned silence as Aeliana advanced, her magic swirling around her like a living flame. The general rose to his feet, his expression dark with fury, but Aeliana didn't hesitate. She released another wave of magic, this one even stronger, and the ground beneath him cracked as the energy consumed him.
When the light finally faded, the general lay motionless, his armor scorched and his blade shattered. Aeliana stood over him, her chest heaving as the fire within her began to settle.
Kaen approached her, his expression a mix of awe and disbelief. "You did it," he said softly. "You brought him down."
Aeliana's knees buckled, but Kaen caught her before she could fall. The other rebels began to regroup, their cheers echoing through the courtyard as they realized what they had achieved.
For the first time, Aeliana allowed herself to believe they might actually have a chance.
Back in the palace, Kaelion stood before the glowing map of Lythrenis, his mismatched eyes fixed on the pulsing light that marked the outpost. The disturbance was undeniable now, the ripples of magic spreading through the city like a storm.
"They've taken the outpost," Eryndor said, his voice quiet. "The wardstone was stronger than we anticipated."
Kaelion didn't respond immediately. His expression was calm, almost serene, but the air around him crackled with barely contained power. "Of course they did," he said finally. "She's stronger than even I expected."
Eryndor hesitated. "Should we retaliate?"
Kaelion turned, his smirk sharp and cold. "Not yet. Let her think she's won. Let her feel the weight of her success."
"And then?"
Kaelion's eyes burned like twin flames as he stepped closer to the map. "And then I'll remind her who holds the true power in this game."