Chapter 60: Embers of War

The council assembled quickly, tension thick in the air as the flickering torches illuminated their faces. Lucian stood at the head of the table, his gaze unwavering as he assessed his gathered allies.

"Marcus is making his move earlier than expected," he began. "This confirms one thing—we've pushed him into a desperate position, but that makes him more dangerous."

Selene leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "What's our strategy? If he's coming with a large force, he's either hoping for a direct siege or to draw us into the open."

Lyra tapped her fingers on the hilt of her dagger. "A siege would be risky for him. The Crimson Citadel's walls are too strong to breach easily. My guess? He'll try to lure us out with a feint."

Lucian nodded. "Agreed. He's not here to win a long war. He's banking on a quick victory to break our morale."

One of the elders, an experienced warrior named Torran, spoke up. "If we're expecting a trap, why not turn it on him? Let him think he's luring us out, and instead, we surround and crush his forces."

Selene raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting we bait him?"

"Yes," Torran replied confidently. "We send a small, mobile force out to engage him, retreating in a way that draws him in deeper. Once he's fully committed, we hit him from all sides."

Lucian crossed his arms, considering the plan. "It's risky, but it could work. The key will be timing. If we spring the trap too soon, he'll retreat and regroup. Too late, and we risk heavy losses."

Selene smirked slightly. "I assume you already know who you want leading the bait force."

Lucian met her gaze evenly. "I'll lead it."

"No," Selene said immediately, her tone firm. "You're the one holding this alliance together. If something happens to you, everything we've built falls apart."

Lyra added, "Selene's right. Let me lead it—I'm fast enough to pull back without getting caught, and I know how to read the enemy's movements."

Lucian hesitated, his protective instincts warring with logic. He knew Lyra was capable, but the thought of putting her in such a dangerous position didn't sit well with him. Still, she was right—her speed and skill made her the best choice.

"Fine," he said at last. "But you'll have backup. Torran, you'll go with her and coordinate the retreat. Once Marcus is in position, we'll signal the main force to strike."

Torran gave a curt nod. "Understood."

By dawn, preparations were complete. Lyra's force set out first, moving swiftly toward the eastern border. Lucian and Selene led the main contingent, staying hidden in the forested terrain. Every moment was tense, the quiet before the storm pressing on their nerves.

As they waited, Selene glanced at Lucian. "You don't look worried."

"I'm always worried," Lucian said, his voice low. "I just don't show it."

She smiled faintly. "Well, you hide it well."

Before Lucian could respond, a distant horn sounded—the signal that Marcus's forces had been sighted. Lyra's group engaged swiftly, drawing Marcus's attention. From their vantage point, Lucian and Selene could see the battle unfold, small skirmishes designed to bait Marcus into overextending.

"It's working," Selene observed. "He's committing more of his forces."

Lucian's eyes remained locked on the battlefield. "Wait for it... not yet..."

Lyra's group began a controlled retreat, moving deeper into the forest. Marcus, sensing what he believed was a chance to overrun them, gave chase. His forces became stretched and disorganized, exactly as Torran had predicted.

"Now!" Lucian ordered.

At his signal, the main force surged forward, emerging from hidden positions on both flanks. The sudden attack caught Marcus's troops off guard, chaos erupting as they tried to regroup.

Selene fought at Lucian's side, their coordination flawless as they cut through the enemy ranks. Lyra and Torran rejoined the fray, their forces adding to the confusion among Marcus's troops.

The battle was fierce but short. Overwhelmed and outmaneuvered, Marcus's army began to fall apart. Those who didn't surrender fled, disappearing into the forest.

Lucian scanned the battlefield, his sword still in hand. "Where's Marcus?"

Selene pointed toward a cluster of trees on the far side. "There. He's trying to escape."

Without hesitation, Lucian broke into a sprint, Selene following close behind. They caught up to Marcus just as he reached the edge of the forest.

"Running again?" Lucian called out, his voice cold. "You never change."

Marcus turned, his eyes wild with fury. "This isn't over, Lucian. You think you've won, but you can't stop what's coming."

Lucian advanced slowly, his sword gleaming in the morning light. "I don't need to stop what's coming. I just need to stop you."

Before Marcus could react, Selene moved swiftly, disarming him with a precise strike. He fell to his knees, breathing heavily.

"It's over, Marcus," Lucian said quietly. "You've lost."

Back at the citadel, Marcus was placed in the dungeons, his fate to be decided by the council. Though the battle had been won, Lucian knew this was only the beginning. The deeper threat—the one Marcus had hinted at—still loomed.

Selene approached him later that night, her expression serious. "We've bought ourselves time, but you know this isn't the end."

"I know," Lucian said. "But for now, we regroup, we rebuild, and we prepare for whatever comes next."

Selene placed a hand on his shoulder. "And we'll face it together."

Lucian smiled faintly. "Together.