Chapter 57: Into the Lion's Den

The new rebel camp was a marked improvement from the chaos of their previous hideout. Nestled in a clearing surrounded by thick woods, it felt secure, though Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. As the group entered, they were greeted with cautious nods and wary glances.

A man stepped forward—a stocky figure with a trimmed beard and sharp eyes. "You're the ones the queen spoke of?"

Ethan nodded, his tone curt. "We are. Heard you needed help."

The man huffed, his gaze lingering on each of them, especially Kael, before motioning to a makeshift dining area. "Eat, rest. We'll talk later."

---

Ethan sat with Eliza, Gregory, and Kael around a rough wooden table. The food was plain but warm—a mix of stewed vegetables and salted meat. The rebels kept their distance, whispering amongst themselves.

Kael leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. "Charming place. Really feels like home."

Gregory rolled his eyes. "You'd find a snake pit cozy."

Eliza smirked but quickly turned her attention to Ethan. "What's the plan? These people aren't ready for what's coming. They've got courage, but that's not enough against shifters."

Ethan's expression darkened. "We can't risk planning anything here. Too many ears. Too many unknowns."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "You think there's a spy?"

"I think we can't trust anyone we don't know," Ethan replied sharply looking briefly at Kael before looking away.

"Not this suspicion again."

"What? You're a shifter, are you not?"

"You know what, just forget it. I could really use some food right now. It's been a long day."

---

Later, after they had eaten and freshened up, the group reconvened just outside the camp. The night was quiet, the only sounds the rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. Ethan had picked a secluded spot, far enough from camp to avoid eavesdroppers.

"I still think this is overkill," Gregory muttered.

Ethan shot him a look. "And I think we've seen enough betrayal to justify caution."

Eliza stepped closer to Ethan, her voice softer. "Gregory has a point. If there was a spy, wouldn't they have made their move by now?"

"Maybe," Ethan admitted. "But I'm not risking it."

Kael leaned against a tree, arms crossed. "So, what's the grand plan, boss? I'm dying to hear it."

Ethan ignored the sarcasm. "We hit them where it hurts—inside their defenses. The rebellion has fighters. We'll use them, but the core mission will be ours."

Eliza frowned. "You want us to go back to the castle?"

"Yes," Ethan said firmly. "We'll take out their defenses from within. Without their core strength, their numbers won't matter."

Gregory whistled low. "Bold. Reckless, but bold."

"It's the only way," Ethan countered. "If we keep running, they'll catch up eventually. We need to end this now."

Eliza hesitated, then nodded. "It makes sense. But one wrong move is all it'll take to take us all out. With us out of the picture,the shifters would've won. There'll be no one left to fight. Are you sure we should be risking ourselves now?"

"We don't have too many options now."

Eliza sighed. "We won't be able to get close without getting spotted. They have people all over the castle. Even my guards are working for them now."

"You can't really blame them. It was either that or they die."

"Let's draw the outside guards away from the castle. Then we'll have safe passage inside."

"They'll know better than to leave their posts for just anything."

"They might not leave for some 'thing' but for someone?" Ethan smiled and then the whole group looked at Kael.

"Why's everyone looking at me?" Kael asked. "Oh, you guys want to use me as bait."

"I'm glad you're on board."

"What? No. I'm definitely not on board."

"We're not offering you to them. It's a distraction. You'll come back alive... Probably."

"I don't like this."

"I don't like being in the forest in the middle of the night but do you see me complaining?" Gregory asked.

"Enough," Eliza interrupted. "We have to go ahead with the plan. It's the only one we have."

"Well," Kael said, his tone resolute. "I guess we're doing this—moving into the lion's den."

Gregory raised an eyebrow. "None of you by any chance have Daniel as a last name do you?"

"Greg, again. Not the time."

"Fine fine. Let's just get back to the camp."