Chapter 24: Embers and Dawn

Fire set the night sky ablaze. Black smoke curled up from the burning forest, illuminating the blood-soaked battlefield and the cries of the wounded. The scattered remains of soldiers both rebel fighters and Japanese troops lay among the trees and underbrush. Amid the roaring flames and chaos, Li Feng still knelt beside Xiao Dre’s body, now limp and powerless in his arms.

“Xiao Dre… hold on…” Li Feng’s voice was hoarse, his hand trembling as he pressed against the blood-soaked wound in his friend’s belly.

Xiao Dre managed a faint smile, even though his lips had turned blue. “I… am not afraid to die… But promise me… don’t let this sacrifice be in vain. You must fight on, Feng.”

Chen rushed forward, grinding his teeth as he saw blood pouring from Dre’s wound. “We have to get him to safety now!”