The Raid (1)

Izan's heart thundered in his chest, each beat echoing through his body as his senses sharpened. He could hear the rustling of the leaves, feel the moist, cool breeze brush against his face.

The plan had seemed straightforward: infiltrate Lord Cedric's manor, capture Lucian, and free the children before anyone could raise an alarm. Yet, something in the air warned him that things weren't going to be so easy.

He cast his eyes forward, taking in the sight of the imposing manor. It loomed ahead, dark and foreboding, its thick stone walls like a fortress designed to keep secrets hidden. The path leading to the rear entrance was overgrown, barely visible in the morning mist. Izan signaled to his men, his movements deliberate and controlled, urging them to stay low.

Every nerve in his body was on edge, and he could sense the same unease in his team.