Chapter 7: The Aftermath

The resistance camp was quiet upon their return. The mission had gone horribly wrong, and the weight of that failure hung heavy in the air. Enno, Senna, and the others walked into camp bruised, exhausted, and carrying the burden of narrowly escaping what could have been a massacre.

Enno sat heavily on a rock near the fire pit, his body aching from the intense escape. The explosion had drawn the enforcers away just as planned, but the ambush had caught them completely off guard. Valtoria had anticipated their move—something they hadn't seen coming. That reality gnawed at Enno's mind.

"We've been compromised," Senna said softly as she sat down next to him, her voice filled with frustration. "They knew we were coming."

Enno's jaw tightened. "Someone's been feeding them information."

It wasn't an accusation, but the weight of his words carried the gravity of the situation. Someone, somehow, had tipped Valtoria off about the raid. Whether it was an informant, a spy, or simply a breach in their communications, it was clear that they couldn't trust everyone in the resistance.

"We need to investigate," Senna said, her eyes narrowed with determination. "There's no way we can move forward unless we figure out who's been talking."

Enno nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Valtoria wasn't just responding to their actions; they were actively countering them, anticipating their moves before they even made them. The resistance had grown too bold, and now the city was striking back.

"We can't afford to waste time," Enno said, his voice low. "If Valtoria's tracking us, we need to move fast. We've lost the element of surprise, but we still have one advantage—they don't know where we're based."

Senna sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "For now, they don't. But how long can we rely on that?"

The unspoken truth settled between them: the resistance was vulnerable. The raid had been meant to slow Valtoria's forces, but instead, it had only drawn more attention. Now, they were racing against time.

Doubts in the Ranks

As the sun began to rise over the horizon, the camp stirred to life, but there was an uneasiness in the air. The news of the failed mission spread quickly, and with it came whispers of doubt. Some of the newer recruits were beginning to question whether they had made the right decision in joining the resistance. After all, if Valtoria was always one step ahead, what hope did they have?

Enno could feel the tension as he walked through the camp. People avoided eye contact, their conversations hushed as he passed. He knew what they were thinking. They had lost faith—not in the cause, but in their chances of winning.

He found Daron near one of the supply tents, speaking with a group of fighters. They all fell silent as Enno approached, their faces grim.

"What's going on?" Enno asked, though he already knew the answer.

Daron sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "People are scared. They think we're walking into a trap every time we move. The ambush last night has them spooked."

Enno couldn't blame them. He had felt the same fear when the enforcers had closed in on them. But he couldn't let that fear paralyze them.

"We were outmaneuvered," Enno said, his voice calm but firm. "But that doesn't mean we're defeated. Valtoria is fighting back because they know we're a threat. If we weren't, they wouldn't be trying so hard to stop us."

One of the fighters, a younger man named Teris, stepped forward, his face etched with frustration. "But how can we fight if they're always ahead of us? We can't win like this."

Enno met his gaze, understanding his frustration but also knowing that this moment was crucial. If the resistance lost hope now, they wouldn't just lose the fight—they'd lose everything.

"We adapt," Enno said simply. "We learn from this. Valtoria has resources, but we have something they don't—people. We've seen the cracks in their control, and we're going to use that to our advantage."

Teris looked skeptical, but he didn't argue. The other fighters exchanged uncertain glances, but none of them voiced their doubts. They knew there was no easy way out of this, and for now, they had no choice but to trust in their leaders.

Senna's Plan

Later that day, Senna gathered the leadership team to discuss their next move. The failed raid had shaken everyone, but they couldn't afford to stay still for long. Valtoria was likely planning its next move, and they needed to be ready.

"The supply depot was a misstep," Senna said, her tone sharp. "But that doesn't mean we're done. Valtoria wants us to think we're powerless, that we're outmatched. But we still have a chance to turn this around."

Enno listened quietly as she spoke, his mind still racing through the events of the past few days. He knew they were running out of time, but Senna's confidence was unwavering. She had a way of rallying people, of making them believe in the impossible.

"We've been playing by their rules," Senna continued. "But now, we're going to change the game. Valtoria's enforcers are spread thin, guarding their key resources. We've hit their infrastructure, but we haven't touched their people. That's where we'll strike next."

Daron frowned. "You're talking about going into the city?"

Senna nodded. "Exactly. We've been targeting their supply lines and energy stations, but we need to hit them where it really hurts—in their own homes. The upper districts, the places where the elite live. That's where we'll send our next message."

Enno's eyes widened slightly at her words. It was a bold plan—maybe even too bold. The upper districts of Valtoria were the most heavily guarded areas, full of security measures designed to protect the city's rulers from any threat. But Senna was right in one thing: it would send a message. It would show the people of Valtoria that no one was safe from the resistance.

"Are we ready for that?" Enno asked, his voice carefully measured.

Senna looked at him, her gaze steady. "We don't have a choice. If we wait too long, they'll find us here. We need to show them that we're not afraid to take this fight to their doorstep."

There was a murmur of agreement from the other leaders, though Enno could sense their unease. This was a dangerous escalation, but it might be the only way to keep the resistance alive.

The Upper Districts

The plan was set in motion quickly. Senna worked tirelessly to coordinate the attack, selecting a small team of highly skilled fighters to infiltrate Valtoria's upper districts. The goal was simple: disrupt the lives of the elite, make them feel the fear that the lower districts lived with every day.

Enno and Senna would lead the strike team. They would be outnumbered, outgunned, but they had one advantage—no one expected the resistance to strike so close to the heart of the city.

As they prepared for the mission, Enno found himself reflecting on the risk they were about to take. The upper districts were where he and Aelia had lived once, before everything fell apart. He hadn't been back since he fled the city, and the thought of returning filled him with a strange mix of dread and determination.

He stood with Senna as the team gathered, the cold night air sharp against their skin. They had chosen a night of low visibility, hoping to use the cover of darkness to their advantage. The city's lights flickered in the distance, a constant reminder of what they were up against.

"Are you ready for this?" Senna asked, her voice quiet but steady.

Enno nodded, though his mind was already racing ahead. "We'll get it done."

Senna gave him a small smile, though there was a heaviness in her eyes. "We always do."

With that, the team set out, their figures disappearing into the night as they moved toward Valtoria's upper districts. The city loomed ahead, its cold lights flickering like distant stars. They were walking into the heart of the enemy's stronghold, and this time, there would be no turning back.