The sky was still gray when the rebels assembled, their breaths clouding in the chill morning air. The forest was silent, waiting.
Kael stood at the front, heart hammering as he looked over the faces gathered. Rough fighters, hardened scouts, nervous recruits. All of them staring at him, waiting for the signal.
He swallowed hard. “Today we strike fast. In and out before Dominion can react. No heroics, no waste. We break their convoy, burn their supplies, and vanish like the storm.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the group. Asha gave him a short nod, approval clear in her steady gaze.
Kael turned toward the trees. He could feel the charge in the air already—the storm was close, restless. His storm.
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They moved in silence, the forest cloaking their advance. Soon, the sound of
