Chapter 26 Shadows Of The Past

• The morning after Lorian's capture, the air in the southern encampment was heavy with tension. Smoke still lingered from the fires of the previous night, and the cries of the wounded filled the air. Yet, amidst the chaos, a cautious sense of hope had begun to bloom. For the first time, it felt as though the rebellion had been dealt a significant blow.
• Ariella stood in the center of the command tent, her gaze fixed on the makeshift prison where Lorian was being held. His betrayal weighed heavily on her heart. He wasn’t just an enemy—he was family. The memories of their shared childhood haunted her as she prepared to interrogate him.
• Kael entered the tent, his presence a steadying force. "The men are ready to move north," he said, his tone calm but resolute. "Theron’s forces are regrouping. We’ve managed to secure the southern front, but the rebels won’t stay scattered for long."