Chapter 56: The Captive Prince

As they set off, weary but unbroken, Madison knew that greater challenges lay ahead. She was ready to face it – not as a pawn in someone else's game, but as the architect of her own destiny.

The journey back to their camp was grueling. Madison's legs burned with each step, and her mind raced with the events that had transpired in the Mad King's twisted playground. Wald walked beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of her thoughts.

"We need to regroup," Astrid said, breaking the tense silence. "The others will be worried sick."

Madison nodded, but her eyes were fixed on the horizon. "We can't waste any time. Karnath-Gor is still out there, and he's not going to stop until he's destroyed everything we hold dear."

As they crested a hill, the rebel camp came into view. Tents dotted the landscape, and the smell of cooking fires wafted towards them. Madison's stomach growled, reminding her that it had been far too long since she'd eaten.