Story 270: The Betrayer’s Bane

The morning mist shrouded the sanctuary, thick and heavy with anticipation. Damien Rook, feeling the weight of his promise to protect, sharpened his blade alone near the edge of camp. Over the past days, their numbers had swelled as new survivors came seeking refuge, but Damien’s instincts buzzed with unease. In this world, the cost of trust could be fatal.

Just as he sheathed his weapon, Mira appeared beside him, her expression grim. “Elias went missing last night. He hasn’t reported in.”

Damien tensed, knowing Elias’s loyalty was a thin thread; the man’s recent betrayal had been forgiven but not forgotten. “Gather everyone. I’ll speak to them.”

Within minutes, the camp’s survivors assembled in the clearing, and Damien’s eyes swept over the crowd, lingering on each face. “Elias is gone. If anyone has seen him or knows his whereabouts, step forward.”