The Nocturnes' night attack had left not only dead bodies but also an oppressive tension over the camp. Kael knew this wasn’t just a simple raid. It was a message.

  The next morning, he stood at the center of the camp, watching his men gather the bodies of their fallen comrades. The silence was heavy, broken only by the rustling wind and the crackling of funeral pyres.

  Darius approached, arms crossed.

  — We lost twelve men. Three others are gravely wounded. They weren’t here to wipe us out, Kael.

  — No. They were here to remind me that I still belong to them, Kael replied, his gaze dark.

  Lysara, who had been keeping watch, stepped closer.

  — They will return. And next time, they won’t come with a message. They’ll come to kill.

  Kael slowly nodded.

  — Then we must strike first.

  Darius raised an eyebrow.

  — You want to hunt the Nocturnes?

  — No. I want to force them to fight us on our terms.

  His gaze locked onto his lieutenants.

  — We will burn their hideouts.

  That afternoon, the camp had transformed into a stronghold on high alert. Kael had ordered double patrols and reinforced defenses. But that wasn’t all. He had also selected an elite group from his men.

  Darius, of course. Lysara too. And six other seasoned warriors.

  They were going to track down one of the Nocturnes' hideouts.

  As the sun dipped lower, the group set off. They moved in silence through the forest, every shadow a potential threat. Kael led the way, his mind sharp.

  — Are you sure about the location? Lysara whispered.

  — The Order used a network of caches in this region. If nothing has changed, we’ll find one near the Black Ravine.

  They pressed on for hours until daylight was nothing but a distant memory.

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  And then, they saw it.

  A stone structure, partially buried under vegetation. A thin stream of smoke rose from a discreet chimney.

  — They’re here, Kael confirmed.

  Darius drew his axe, flashing a predatory grin.

  — Do we strike now?

  — No. We watch first.

  They settled into the shadows, observing every movement. Two sentries stood at the entrance. Figures occasionally passed behind the windows.

  Kael closed his eyes for a moment, letting memories resurface.

  The Order of Nocturnes. Elite assassins. He had been one of them. Before he betrayed their code. Before he fled.

  And now, they had come back for him.

  — They have no idea what’s coming, he whispered.

  Then, in a cold murmur, he gave the order.

  — We attack.

  Kael raised his hand, a silent signal. His team melted into the darkness, encircling the Nocturnes' lair. Silence was their ally.

  Lysara slipped closer, barely visible in the night.

  — Do I take the first guard? she whispered.

  Kael nodded.

  Like a serpent, she slithered behind the nearest sentry. A brief glint of moonlight caught her blade before it slid into the man’s throat. No cry. Just a gurgle before the body crumpled.

  The second sentry turned his head, alerted by the noise. Too late. An arrow whistled from the shadows, piercing his skull between the eyes.

  Darius, bow in hand, smirked as he slung his weapon over his shoulder.

  — Almost too easy.

  Kael shot him a sharp look.

  — Never underestimate the Nocturnes.

  He stepped forward and placed a hand on the wooden door handle. Taking a deep breath, he yanked it open.

  Inside, dim torchlight flickered against stone walls. Several men sat around a table, sharing a meal. The moment froze.

  Then, chaos erupted.

  Kael lunged forward, his sword driving into the first enemy’s chest before the man could even rise. To his right, Darius swung his massive axe, splitting a skull open, spraying blood against the wall.

  The remaining Nocturnes reacted swiftly. Two of them charged Kael, blades drawn. He barely dodged a strike aimed at his ribs, countering with a slash that tore open one attacker’s cheek before stabbing his sword deep into the other’s stomach.

  Behind him, Lysara spun like a shadow, her daggers striking with lightning speed. A man tried to grab her arm, but she ducked low, slashing his leg tendons before finishing him with a swift cut across the throat.

  The fight lasted less than a minute. Then, silence returned, broken only by the dying men’s last gasps.

  Kael wiped the blood from his sword and turned to his team.

  — Search for documents. Anything about their next moves.

  Lysara opened a chest at the back of the room, pulling out several parchment scrolls. She scanned them quickly, then lifted her gaze.

  — They’re preparing a large offensive. Against us.

  Darius grunted.

  — They think they can crush us?

  Kael took one of the scrolls and unrolled it slowly.

  — No. They think they can take me back.

  His eyes darkened.

  This was only the beginning.