As Kael prepared to sneak out, I watched closely from the shadows of the hut. Lara and Lily played their part perfectly, distracting the lone raider as he brought in our food. They greeted him with timid smiles, offering polite conversation while concealing their nerves. The raider, unbothered by their small talk, seemed oblivious to what was happening right under his nose.

Kael vanished, slipping out through the small hole Sylas had created in the back of the hut. His movements were swift and silent, the Shadow Fang technique making him nearly invisible in the darkening woods.

I waited in tense silence, my mind racing as I thought about our precarious situation. It felt like hours before I allowed myself to breathe deeply again, reminding myself that Kael had trained for this. We just had to trust him.

“Do you think he will be safe?” Sylas and while she and Mira looked at me

“Yeah, he may seem undetectable but it’s a dangerous job,” Elyndor said

“Don’t know, but we need his power in order to escape from here”

No one says anything, maybe they agree or they have different thoughts but it doesn’t matter anymore because the plan has already started.

----------------------------------------

Kael’s pov:

The night wrapped around me like a thick, suffocating blanket as I stepped into the clearing. Each footfall was measured, every movement deliberate, as though the very forest itself were conspiring to betray me.

The soft crunch of leaves beneath my boots blended with the occasional whistle of the wind, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and smoke from the raiders’ campfires.

The air was heavy, thick with the sort of tension that settled deep in the bones. I took a moment to steady my breathing, keeping my senses sharp. The forest loomed around me, ancient and unyielding, its crooked trees forming an almost impenetrable wall.

Their thick, gnarled branches interlocked high above, choking out the moonlight. The result was a near pitch-black maze where even the bravest could easily get lost.

If someone ran from here... they’d vanish without a trace, I thought grimly, my hand tightening around the dagger at my side.

Ahead, the camp sprawled in deceptive calm. My eyes darted toward the hut where Duke and the others were imprisoned. It was a crude structure, barely holding together with uneven logs and a haphazard thatched roof. At a glance, it seemed flimsy enough to kick down. But I knew better. Bandits like these had eyes everywhere.

I studied the clearing, cataloging every detail. Tents, much sturdier than I’d expected, were pitched in neat rows. Their canvas walls stretched taut over wooden frames, casting angular shadows in the flickering light of campfires. Paths between them had been worn smooth by constant foot traffic.

These aren’t just a bunch of disorganized thugs. They’re military-grade.

I crouched low behind the gnarled roots of a tree, peering toward the far edge of the camp. A small building stood there, sturdier than the tents and the makeshift huts. Its walls were constructed from weathered planks, its roof intact, shedding water and leaves with ease. My gut churned as I studied it. It wasn’t a prison, and it was too small to house many raiders.

Supplies? Treasure? Weapons?

My instincts screamed that whatever was inside, was important. But the camp was far too active. Raiders moved between the tents, some drinking by the fires while others prowled like wolves guarding their kill.

The camp seemed deceptively quiet, but the closer I moved, the more I could hear the faint hum of voices carried on the cool night breeze. I kept low, pressing myself against the rough bark of a tree. From my position, I could just make out two raiders standing near one of the fires, their silhouettes flickering in the light.

“…can’t believe we’re stuck on watch duty again,” one grumbled, his voice rough and irritated. He leaned against a makeshift spear, tapping it against the ground. “Every damn night, same thing. Feels like the boss thinks we’ve got nothing better to do.”

The other, a stockier man with a wicked scar running down his cheek, chuckled dryly. “Better than heading out for another raid, eh? You heard what happened to Larks’ group last week. Walked straight into a guild patrol. They didn’t even have time to scream.”

I stiffened at that. A guild patrol? That might explain why these raiders were so cautious. It also meant they were more dangerous than I’d thought—they’d survived an encounter with trained adventurers.

The scarred man spat into the fire, the flames hissing. “Still, boss is pushing us hard. Says the next shipment’s gotta be ready by tomorrow night. Makes you wonder who’s paying him for all this.”

Shipment? I leaned closer, holding my breath.

“Don’t know, don’t care,” the first one replied. “Long as the coin’s good, I’ll haul crates all day. It's not like we’re the ones asking questions. Boss says jump, we jump.”

The scarred man snorted. “Yeah, yeah. Do you ever think about what’s in those crates, though? Could be weapons. Could be cursed junk for all we know.”

“Don’t jinx it, idiot. The last thing I need is some cursed sword lopping my head off in my sleep.”

They both laughed, the sound grating and coarse.

I let out a slow breath, my mind racing. Crates. If they were talking about weapons, it meant the raiders hadn’t just taken ours—they might have an entire stockpile somewhere.

The voices faded as the two men wandered off, their laughter disappearing into the shadows. I waited a moment longer, making sure they were out of earshot before moving again.

My eyes darted toward the sturdy building at the edge of the camp. Crates, I thought. If they’re storing something valuable, it’s gotta be in there.

The frustration of not being able to get closer gnawed at me. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to focus. There was no room for mistakes, not when so much was at stake.

Soon, I promised myself. We’ll find those weapons, and we’ll make them pay.

My boots barely disturbed the forest floor as I moved. Every crunch of a leaf, every snap of a twig sent a spike of tension through my chest.

I paused behind a tree, scanning the camp again. There was no sign of the weapons yet. No obvious stash or armory. Frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but I forced it down.

Keep looking. You’re not done yet.

My boots barely disturbed the forest floor as I moved. Every crunch of a leaf, every snap of a twig sent a spike of tension through my chest.

I paused behind a tree, scanning the camp again. There was no sign of the weapons yet. No obvious stash or armory. Frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but I forced it down.

Keep looking. You’re not done yet.

A sharp laugh pierced the air, and I froze. The sound came from one of the guards standing lazily near a fire, his sword propped against a stump. He gestured to another raider, his voice too faint for me to make out the words. I waited, counting the seconds, until their conversation faded into grumbles.

Finally, when it felt safe enough, I crept closer to the hut. My movements were slow and deliberate, skirting the line between caution and urgency.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

When I reached the back wall, I crouched low, pressing my ear to the rough wood. My heart thundered in my chest as I listened for movement inside. The faint sounds of shuffling reached me, and I exhaled in relief.

I raised my hand and tapped out the prearranged signal on the wall—three quick knocks, a pause, then two more. The sound echoed faintly in the stillness of the night.

After a few tense moments, there was a faint creak. A section of the wall shifted slightly, revealing a narrow hole. I ducked low and crawled through, my body brushing against the rough edges of the opening.

Sylas’s hands pulled me inside with surprising strength, and the wall was sealed behind me before I had even straightened up.

I sat down heavily, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. My legs ached from crouching and sneaking through the camp, but I kept my voice low. “The forest is dense,” I began, scanning the group. “It’s like a wall of trees out there. If anyone tried to run, they’d get lost or caught before they made it far.”

Duke was sitting across from me, his jaw clenched as he listened. Sylas, leaning forward slightly, rested her chin on her knees, her sharp eyes locked on mine.

Kaldor sat quietly but alert, his calm presence like a rock in the room. The sisters, Lara and Lily, sat huddled close to each other, their eyes wide with unease. Mira’s brow furrowed as she rubbed her arms, trying to stave off the creeping chill of the night.

“I couldn’t find any sign of the weapons,” I continued, my voice tinged with frustration. “I searched everywhere I could safely reach. Nothing. But there’s a building—small, tucked away at the edge of the camp. It’s different from the rest, more solid. Whatever’s inside… it’s important. It’s our best bet.”

“You think they’d keep weapons there?” Sylas asked, her voice sharp but quiet. “Why not hide them closer to the center of the camp where there’s more people?”

“Because it’s deliberate,” I replied, shaking my head. “The way it’s positioned—out of sight, near the edge—it’s like they’re trying to make it seem unimportant. They’re smart enough to know we’d look in the obvious places.”

Sylas frowned but nodded. “Fair point. Still… how do we even get close to it?”

“I’ll figure it out,” I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.

“The forest…” Lara’s small voice broke through the tension. “I-Is there really no way through it? None at all?”

I glanced at her, softening my tone slightly. “It’s not impossible. But it’s thick—no paths, no clear direction. And in the dark, it’s worse. They picked this spot for a reason.”

“Trapped,” Lily said bitterly, her hands tightening into fists. “They’ve trapped us.”

“No,” Duke interjected firmly, his voice steady. “We’re not trapped. Not yet. They may have the advantage, but we’ll find a way. We just have to stay sharp.”

Mira looked at him skeptically. “And what if they come back for us before we figure it out? We’re not exactly armed or ready to fight off an ambush.”

“They won’t kill us yet,” Kaldor said calmly, his deep voice rumbling through the space. “Not unless they’re fools. We’re worth more alive, especially if they plan to ransom us. It’s only a matter of time before they slip up.”

“We can’t rely on their mistakes,” Duke countered, his voice firm. “Kael’s right about the building. It’s our best lead, but we need a plan. A real one.”

“The problem is time,” Sylas muttered, her fingers drumming lightly against her leg. “If we wait too long, they’ll notice something’s off. If we move too fast, we’re exposed.”

“Kael…” Duke’s gaze met mine, and for a moment, I could see the weight he was carrying. “What else did you see? Guards? Patterns? Anything that could help us predict their movements?”

I nodded, recounting the details I had memorized. “There’s at least ten tents, maybe more. Most of the raiders are inside now, but they’ve got guards posted. Two near the center of the camp, one at the entrance, and one patrolling the perimeter. Their movements are regular, but the patrols are staggered—one every few minutes.”

“Four guards?” Kaldor mused, his tone contemplative. “Not impossible to deal with, but risky if we’re unarmed.”

“It’s not just the guards,” I added. “These raiders aren’t amateurs. Their camp is too organized, and too well-structured. This isn’t some random group of thieves scraping by on scraps. Someone’s behind this—someone smart.”

“Someone powerful,” Duke muttered, his voice low. “Maybe Arthur. Or worse.”

The name hung in the air, heavy and foreboding.

“Arthur?” Sylas’s voice sharpened. “You think this has something to do with him? What does he gain from kidnapping kids?”

Duke’s brow furrowed. “If it’s him, it’s not about us specifically. He could be expanding his operations, taking control of more territory. Or… someone else could be using his methods. Either way, we need to be ready for anything.”

“Great,” Mira said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “So, we’re stuck in the middle of a power game. Just our luck.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Duke said with quiet determination. “We have to.”

Lara clutched Lily’s arm tightly. “But what if we don’t?”

“We will,” Kaldor said firmly, his steady tone cutting through the doubt. “We’ve already come this far. We’re not stopping now.”

A tense silence settled over the group, broken only by the faint crackle of the campfires outside. I glanced at Duke again, noting the way his shoulders were set, the way his jaw clenched with resolve. Whatever doubts he had, he wasn’t letting them show.

“Tomorrow,” I said finally, breaking the silence. “Tomorrow, I’ll get closer to the building. I’ll figure out what’s inside. And if it’s our weapons, we’ll make our move.”

“We’ll all make our move,” Duke corrected, his voice steady. “You’re not doing this alone.”

I nodded, though a part of me wondered if he truly understood the risks. But as I looked around the group—at their determined faces, their quiet resolve—I realized we didn’t have a choice.

----------------------------------------

Duke’s pov:

For the next few days, the waiting felt like a slow descent into madness. Every creak of the hut's walls, every distant footstep outside, had us on edge.

Kael continued his recon, slipping out when the raiders were distracted and returning with bits of information that helped us piece together the layout of the camp.

The days dragged on, the tension so thick it was hard to breathe. We kept our minds focused on the plan, but the pressure was beginning to weigh on everyone.

It was only a matter of time before the raiders made their next move—and we had to be ready.

Then, one evening, Kael returned, his face pale and his eyes sharp with urgency. He knocked softly with the prearranged pattern, and Sylas opened the hole for him.

Kael crawled in quickly, and we all gathered around him, our hearts pounding with anticipation.

“The raiders are planning to move in a few days,” Kael whispered, his tone laced with worry. “They’re packing up the tents and getting ready to relocate. If we don’t act soon, they’ll be gone, and we’ll lose any chance of finding out what’s inside that building—or getting our weapons back.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. My stomach dropped, the realization hitting me hard. We were running out of time, and the opportunity to escape was slipping through our fingers.

“We can’t wait any longer,” I said, breaking the silence, my mind racing to adjust the plan. “Kael, you and I will check that small building tonight. We need to know what’s inside before they move everything.”

Almost immediately, the others protested. Mira’s eyes widened in alarm, and she quickly shook her head. “Duke, you can’t! If you and Kael go, and something happens, we’ll lose two people. It’s too risky. What if you’re caught?”

Lily, who had been silent most of the evening, spoke up next. “She’s right, Duke. You’re our leader. If you get caught, we’re done for. Without you, we’ll be completely lost.”

Even Sylas, who was normally quiet and calculating, chimed in. “We’re already at a disadvantage without our weapons. If both you and Kael get captured, we won’t stand a chance. We need every hand we can get.”

Elyndor placed a hand on my shoulder, his voice soft but firm. “Think about it, Duke. The risk is too high. We need to be smart about this.”

Their words echoed in my head, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out. I clenched my fists, frustration boiling under the surface. I understood their concerns—I really did—but we didn’t have the luxury of waiting any longer.

“I get it,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm despite the urgency clawing at me. “But we can’t afford to miss this chance. If we wait until they’re gone, we’ll lose everything—our weapons, any leverage we might have. This is our only shot.”

Kael looked at me, his jaw set in determination. “I’ll go alone if I have to,” he said, his voice steady. “But Duke’s right. We can’t wait. Whatever’s in that building could change everything.”

Mira glanced between the two of us, her brows furrowed in frustration. “But if both of you get caught, what are we supposed to do? We’re just kids… We can’t fight them off on our own.”

I let out a long breath, my mind racing. They were right to be worried, but there was no other option. I had to go. “I know it’s risky,” I admitted, “but we’ve been waiting for days, and now we have a deadline. We’ll be careful—get in, get the information, and get out. We won’t engage unless we have no choice.”

The room was silent again, but I could see the uncertainty on their faces. Finally, Sylas sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he muttered. “But promise me you’ll come back. If something goes wrong… if you get caught, we’ll be outnumbered.”

I nodded. “I promise.”

Kael stood, his expression resolute. “We’ll be in and out before they even notice. Let’s get ready.”

We spent the next few minutes preparing for the night ahead, going over our plan one last time. Everyone was tense, the weight of the decision hanging in the air like a storm cloud as Kael and I strapped a small knife created from earth magic by Sylas to my belt. They were scared, and I didn’t blame them. I was scared too. But if we didn’t act now, we’d lose everything.

As we made our final preparations, I caught Mira’s gaze. She looked like she wanted to say something, but instead, she just nodded, her eyes filled with worry. “Be careful,” she whispered.

“I will,” I replied, though I wasn’t sure if I was saying it for her sake or mine.

Kael and I exchanged a glance, both of us steeling ourselves for what was to come. The plan was simple—sneak into the small building, find out what the raiders were hiding, and get out before anyone noticed. But simple plans had a way of going wrong, and we both knew it.

“Let’s go,” Kael said quietly.