Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Into the Lion's Den
The new rebel camp was a marked improvement from the chaos of their previous hideout. Nestled in a clearing surrounded by thick woods, it felt secure, though Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. As the group entered, they were greeted with cautious nods and wary glances.
A man stepped forward—a stocky figure with a trimmed beard and sharp eyes. "You're the ones the queen spoke of?"
Ethan nodded, his tone curt. "We are. Heard you needed help."
The man huffed, his gaze lingering on each of them, especially Kael, before motioning to a makeshift dining area. "Eat, rest. We'll talk later."
---
Ethan sat with Eliza, Gregory, and Kael around a rough wooden table. The food was plain but warm—a mix of stewed vegetables and salted meat. The rebels kept their distance, whispering amongst themselves.
Kael leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. "Charming place. Really feels like home."
Gregory rolled his eyes. "You'd find a snake pit cozy."
Eliza smirked but quickly turned her attention to Ethan. "What's the plan? These people aren't ready for what's coming. They've got courage, but that's not enough against shifters."
Ethan's expression darkened. "We can't risk planning anything here. Too many ears. Too many unknowns."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You think there's a spy?"
"I think we can't trust anyone we don't know," Ethan replied sharply looking briefly at Kael before looking away.
"Not this suspicion again."
"What? You're a shifter, are you not?"
"You know what, just forget it. I could really use some food right now. It's been a long day."
---
Later, after they had eaten and freshened up, the group reconvened just outside the camp. The night was quiet, the only sounds the rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. Ethan had picked a secluded spot, far enough from camp to avoid eavesdroppers.
"I still think this is overkill," Gregory muttered.
Ethan shot him a look. "And I think we've seen enough betrayal to justify caution."
Eliza stepped closer to Ethan, her voice softer. "Gregory has a point. If there was a spy, wouldn't they have made their move by now?"
"Maybe," Ethan admitted. "But I'm not risking it."
Kael leaned against a tree, arms crossed. "So, what's the grand plan, boss? I'm dying to hear it."
Ethan ignored the sarcasm. "We hit them where it hurts—inside their defenses. The rebellion has fighters. We'll use them, but the core mission will be ours."
Eliza frowned. "You want us to go back to the castle?"
"Yes," Ethan said firmly. "We'll take out their defenses from within. Without their core strength, their numbers won't matter."
Gregory whistled low. "Bold. Reckless, but bold."
"It's the only way," Ethan countered. "If we keep running, they'll catch up eventually. We need to end this now."
Eliza hesitated, then nodded. "It makes sense. But one wrong move is all it'll take to take us all out. With us out of the picture,the shifters would've won. There'll be no one left to fight. Are you sure we should be risking ourselves now?"
"We don't have too many options now."
Eliza sighed. "We won't be able to get close without getting spotted. They have people all over the castle. Even my guards are working for them now."
"You can't really blame them. It was either that or they die."
"Let's draw the outside guards away from the castle. Then we'll have safe passage inside."
"They'll know better than to leave their posts for just anything."
"They might not leave for some 'thing' but for someone?" Ethan smiled and then the whole group looked at Kael.
"Why's everyone looking at me?" Kael asked. "Oh, you guys want to use me as bait."
"I'm glad you're on board."
"What? No. I'm definitely not on board."
"We're not offering you to them. It's a distraction. You'll come back alive... Probably."
"I don't like this."
"I don't like being in the forest in the middle of the night but do you see me complaining?" Gregory asked.
"Enough," Eliza interrupted. "We have to go ahead with the plan. It's the only one we have."
"Well," Kael said, his tone resolute. "I guess we're doing this—moving into the lion's den."
Gregory raised an eyebrow. "None of you by any chance have Daniel as a last name do you?"
"Greg, again. Not the time."
"Fine fine. Let's just get back to the camp."
Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The Trap
The night air was still as Kael sauntered up to the castle's outer guards. His steps were casual, almost lazy, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Evening, gentlemen," he drawled, hands in his pockets. "Miss me?"
The guards immediately stiffened. Their faces twisted in recognition, a mix of anger and disgust flashing in their eyes.
"You!" one of them snarled, his voice guttural.
Kael shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, that's no way to greet an old friend. I thought we were closer than this."
The guards exchanged glances before one hissed, "Get him!"
Kael grinned, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Catch me if you can."
With that, he spun on his heel and bolted into the forest, the enraged guards hot on his heels.
---
Ethan watched from the shadows, his sharp gaze fixed on the commotion Kael had orchestrated. The guards abandoned their posts, their footsteps fading into the distance.
"Clear," he muttered, motioning to the others.
Eliza, Gregory, and three rebellion fighters followed him silently, their movements practiced and precise. The castle loomed before them, its dark spires clawing at the night sky.
The group slipped through a side entrance Eliza had identified—a narrow, half-hidden door that creaked ominously as they pushed it open.
Inside, the air was damp, carrying the faint scent of stone and mildew. The hallway stretched ahead, dimly lit by torches mounted on the walls. Shadows danced, their flickering light adding an eerie quality to the silence.
"We split up here," Ethan said, his voice low but commanding. "Eliza, you're with me and Micah. Gregory, take the others. Move fast, stay quiet. Take out the guards and meet back at the central hall."
Gregory nodded. "Got it. Don't get yourselves killed."
Eliza smirked. "Likewise."
With that, the two groups parted ways, their footsteps fading into opposite directions.
---
Ethan's group moved through the castle with practiced stealth, taking out guards one by one. Each takedown was swift and silent, a blur of movement followed by the dull thud of unconscious bodies hitting the floor.
The halls were a labyrinth of cold stone and high arches. Tapestries hung on the walls, their intricate designs depicting battles long past. Dust floated in the faint light, disturbed only by their passage.
"Eliza, where's the crystal room?" Ethan asked, his tone clipped.
"Just ahead," she replied, her eyes scanning every corner.
They rounded a corner and found themselves before a massive wooden door, its surface carved with intricate symbols.
"This is it," Eliza whispered.
Micah stepped forward, his hand hovering over the handle. "Ready?"
Ethan nodded. "Let's finish this."
Micah pushed the door open, and they stepped inside.
---
The crystal room was breathtaking. At its center stood a towering pedestal, and atop it, the crystal shimmered with a light that seemed to pulse like a heartbeat. The room itself was vast, its high ceiling lost in shadow. The walls were lined with shelves holding ancient artifacts and scrolls, their significance a mystery.
Eliza approached the crystal, her steps cautious. The light reflected in her eyes, casting her face in an ethereal glow.
"This is it," she murmured. "With this, we can end them."
Ethan stepped forward, his hand outstretched toward the crystal. But before he could make contact, a loud clang echoed through the room.
The door slammed shut behind them.
They whirled around, weapons drawn, to find a man sitting in a high-backed chair near the wall. His posture was relaxed, almost lazy, as he observed them with a smug smile.
In his lap sat a creature unlike anything they'd ever seen. It was the size of a cat, but its eyes glowed a sickly yellow, and its skin was a mottled grey. Sharp, jagged teeth protruded from its mouth, and its long tail twitched with anticipation.
"I knew you'd come," the man said, his voice smooth and taunting.
Eliza stepped forward, her blade gleaming in the faint light. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled, a sound that sent chills down their spines.
"The last face you'll ever see," he replied, his grin widening.
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