Chapter 21: Into the Lion’s Den

The rebel camp was a flurry of movement before dawn. Karima watched from the edge of the central tent as soldiers packed their supplies, blacksmiths sharpened weapons, and scouts exchanged last-minute intelligence. Despite the hurried pace, there was an undercurrent of tension—no one knew exactly what they were walking into.

Eryn strode toward her, her armor strapped in place, her movements efficient and controlled. "We leave in ten minutes. I assume you're ready?"

Karima nodded. "More than ready."

Haytham stood beside her, silent as he adjusted the straps on his gear. He had been quiet since last night, since she had volunteered for this mission. She could feel the weight of his gaze, though he said nothing.

Eryn motioned them toward the horses. "We'll be entering the city disguised as merchants. We have travel permits forged by our people inside. The goal is simple—get in, gather intel on the Council's troop movements, and get out before anyone realizes who we are."

Karima mounted her horse, her pulse steady despite the nerves tightening in her stomach. This wasn't a fight she could win with a blade alone. It was about deception, patience—two things she had never been particularly good at.

Haytham climbed onto his horse beside her, finally breaking his silence. "Stick close to me," he murmured. "If something goes wrong, we move together."

She nodded. She knew he meant it.

The journey to the city took most of the morning. The roads leading toward the outer gates were busy with travelers, traders, and Council guards stationed at checkpoints. The rebels had chosen their disguises well—simple cloaks, wagons loaded with supplies, nothing to draw suspicion.

As they neared the gates, Karima felt the weight of the bounty on her head more than ever. If even one guard recognized her, it would be over before they even had a chance to gather information.

Eryn rode ahead, speaking with the soldiers stationed at the entrance. The forged permits were handed over, inspected, then returned without question. Within minutes, they were inside.

The city was suffocating.

Karima hadn't set foot in a Council-controlled stronghold in weeks, but the change was stark. The air buzzed with an unspoken tension—guards patrolled in pairs, watchful and alert. Civilians hurried through the streets with their heads down, careful not to draw attention.

"This isn't normal," Haytham muttered beside her.

Eryn nodded. "They're expecting something."

Karima narrowed her eyes, scanning the streets. If the Council was this on edge, it meant something was happening—something big.

They moved through the marketplace, blending into the flow of people. Eryn led them toward an inn at the far end of the district, a place where their contacts were supposed to meet them. But as they approached, Karima felt a prickle at the back of her neck.

She was being watched.

She turned her head slightly, catching a glimpse of a man standing in the alleyway, half-hidden in the shadows. His eyes were locked onto her, unwavering.

She gripped the reins tighter. "We're not alone."

Haytham followed her gaze, his hand inching toward his blade. "We need to move. Now."

Eryn didn't argue. They veered off the main road, weaving through side streets until they reached a quiet courtyard. Karima dismounted quickly, scanning their surroundings. The man from the alley hadn't followed.

Yet.

Eryn motioned them inside a small storage building. "Stay here. I'll meet with our contact."

Karima leaned against the wall, exhaling slowly. The feeling of unease hadn't left her. If the Council already knew they were here, then this mission had just become more dangerous than they had anticipated.

Haytham watched her carefully. "What is it?"

She hesitated. "I don't know. Something feels… off."

He stepped closer. "We can still leave."

Karima met his gaze. "No. We need to know what they're planning."

Haytham's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Then we stick together."

Minutes passed. Then the door creaked open.

Eryn stepped inside, her face grim. "We have a problem."

"The Council isn't just gathering troops," Eryn said, spreading a map across the wooden table. "They're planning something far worse."

Karima scanned the markings on the parchment, her stomach tightening. Strategic positions, supply lines, routes—this wasn't just about maintaining control. It was preparation for war.

"They're going to wipe out the rebellion before it can fully rise," Haytham muttered.

Eryn nodded. "They're moving faster than we thought. If we don't act soon, they'll strike first."

Karima clenched her fists. "Then we take this information back to the rebels."

"We can't," Eryn said. "Not yet."

Karima frowned. "Why?"

"Because they know we're here."

The words hung heavy in the air.

Karima's pulse quickened. "Then we need to leave. Now."

Eryn shook her head. "The gates will be locked by nightfall. If we try to leave now, we'll walk right into a trap."

Karima exhaled sharply. "Then what do you suggest?"

Haytham studied the map. "There's another way out. The tunnels beneath the old city."

Eryn raised an eyebrow. "You know about those?"

He smirked. "I used them once. They're risky, but it's our best shot."

Karima didn't hesitate. "Then we take the tunnels."

Eryn nodded. "We move at dusk."

The wait was agonizing. Every second spent inside the city felt like borrowed time. Karima could feel the tension in her chest, the weight of everything pressing down on her.

She caught Haytham watching her again, his gaze unreadable. This time, she didn't look away.

"You keep staring," she murmured.

He didn't smirk like before. "I'm making sure you're still you."

She frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Haytham hesitated, then shook his head. "Nothing."

But it wasn't nothing. She could feel it.

Before she could press him further, Eryn returned. "It's time."

They slipped into the shadows, making their way toward the abandoned section of the city. The tunnels lay beneath the ruins of an old fortress, a relic of a time before the Council's rule. They reached the entrance, hidden beneath a collapsed archway, and pried open the rusted gate.

Darkness stretched before them.

Karima took a deep breath. There was no turning back now.

Haytham touched her shoulder briefly, a silent reassurance. She met his gaze, nodding.

Then they stepped into the unknown.