Chapter 62: Shadows of the Coming War

The tension in the Crimson Citadel was thick enough to cut with a blade. The faint sounds of metal clinking from the training grounds echoed through the grand halls as warriors prepared for whatever war Lucian feared would come. Though the rebellion had been crushed, a foreboding sense of dread now loomed over them.

Selene walked through the corridor leading to Lucian's council chamber. Her thoughts were plagued by Marcus's ominous warning about the Elder Council. Was it truly possible that the council, a centuries-old entity that had remained in the shadows for decades, was ready to unleash its wrath? If Marcus wasn't lying, they weren't facing just another clan—they were facing an ancient power capable of toppling empires.

Pushing the heavy doors open, Selene entered the chamber to find Lyra and Torran already seated. Lucian stood by the large window, staring out at the sprawling city below. His hands were clasped behind his back, tension evident in the tightness of his shoulders.

"The troops are preparing," Torran reported, breaking the silence. "We've doubled the guard at the borders and fortified the outer walls."

"It's not enough," Lucian said without turning around. "If the Elder Council is truly behind this, no walls will keep them out. Their power goes beyond brute force."

Lyra leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "What do you suggest? We can't fight an enemy we know nothing about."

Lucian finally turned to face them, his piercing gaze filled with determination. "We need information—real information. If the council is gathering forces, they'll have emissaries moving through the region. We find them, intercept their plans, and learn their strategy before they strike."

Selene nodded. "I'll take a team and handle it personally. We'll track any movement linked to the council and bring back whatever we can."

"Take only those you trust implicitly," Lucian warned. "If Marcus's words hold any truth, the council may already have spies among us."

By nightfall, Selene had assembled a small, elite team of warriors she trusted with her life. Among them were Kieran, a seasoned tracker with an unmatched sense of direction, and Nadia, a skilled healer and fighter known for her quick thinking.

Their mission was clear: infiltrate the surrounding territories, gather intelligence, and return before the council could make its move. As they rode through the dense forest under the cover of darkness, Selene couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. One misstep could lead to disaster—not just for her team but for the entire citadel.

Kieran rode up beside her, his expression tense. "I don't like this, Selene. If Marcus was telling the truth, we're riding straight into enemy territory."

"I know," Selene replied, her voice steady despite the unease gnawing at her. "But if we don't act now, we'll be caught off guard. I'd rather face the unknown than wait for it to destroy us."

As they pressed on, the forest grew denser, the air colder. The silence was eerie, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant cry of nocturnal creatures. After several hours of riding, Kieran held up a hand, signaling for the group to halt.

"There's something ahead," he whispered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness.

Selene dismounted quietly, drawing her blade. The others followed suit, their movements silent and practiced. They crept forward, each step careful and deliberate, until they reached a small clearing.

In the center of the clearing stood a lone figure cloaked in black, a hood obscuring their face. The figure appeared to be waiting, unmoving despite the biting wind. Selene motioned for her team to stay back as she stepped forward, her blade gleaming in the moonlight.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice firm.

The figure slowly lifted their head, revealing a young woman with piercing silver eyes. "I bring a message," she said, her voice calm yet laced with urgency. "From the Elder Council."

Selene tightened her grip on her sword. "Speak."

"The council knows of Lucian's defiance," the woman said. "They offer a choice: surrender, or be destroyed."

"And if we refuse?" Selene asked coldly.

The woman smiled faintly. "Then prepare for war. The council has already begun its march."

Before Selene could react, the woman vanished into the shadows, leaving only a faint echo of her words behind.

Back at the citadel, Lucian paced the council chamber, his mind racing. Selene's mission had barely begun, and already the threat loomed closer than ever. When the doors burst open and Selene strode in, flanked by her team, he immediately sensed that something had gone wrong.

"We've made contact," Selene said, her tone grim. "The council isn't waiting. They've already started their advance."

Lucian's jaw clenched. "How much time do we have?"

"Days, maybe less," Kieran answered. "We need to act fast.

Lucian turned to Lyra and Torran. "Call every ally we have. If the council wants a war, we'll give them one—but we won't be fighting alone.