Chapter 73: The Storm Within

The camp was unusually silent when Lucian and Lyra returned. Warriors tended to their wounds, their faces lined with exhaustion and triumph. Magnus sat near the fire, sharpening his axe with a focused expression, while Selene kept watch at the forest's edge, her bow resting across her lap.

As Lucian stepped into the clearing, every gaze turned to him. His commanding presence was undeniable, but the summoner's cryptic warning weighed heavily on his mind.

"What happened out there?" Magnus asked, rising to meet Lucian.

Lucian's tone was sharp and deliberate. "The summoner is dead, but this isn't over. They warned us—this was only the beginning."

Unease rippled through the camp, whispers breaking out among the warriors.

Lyra moved forward, her voice strong and resolute. "We've faced impossible odds before and triumphed. Fear has no place here. This is the time to stand together, not fall apart."

Her words steadied the group, though the tension lingered like an unspoken question. Magnus clapped Lucian's shoulder before heading off to bolster the camp's defenses.

The camp eventually began to settle, and Lucian retreated to his tent, needing solitude to process the events. Lyra followed him, slipping in behind him like a shadow.

"You're overthinking again," she said, folding her arms and leaning casually against the tent pole.

Lucian let out a breath, running a hand through his dark hair. "The Council always seems to anticipate our every move. It's like trying to win a game against someone who knows the end before it begins."

Lyra stepped closer, her piercing gaze softening. "And yet, we're still standing. That's not by chance, Lucian—that's because of you."

Her words struck him harder than any blade. For a brief moment, the weight of leadership faded, and he allowed himself to see her not just as a warrior, but as someone who had fought alongside him through it all.

"Lyra…" His voice faltered, uncertainty slipping into his usual composure.

She tilted her head, waiting for him to continue. But before he could speak, the tent flap flew open, and Selene burst inside, her expression urgent.

"Lucian," she said quickly, "you need to come now."

Without hesitation, Lucian and Lyra followed her out into the night. Selene led them to the edge of the camp, where a crowd of warriors had gathered, their faces a mix of shock and anger.

"What's going on?" Lucian demanded.

The group parted to reveal a man kneeling on the ground, bound and battered. His eyes burned with a dangerous defiance, and his bruised lips curled into a mocking smile.

"We caught him sneaking into the camp," one of the guards said, holding up a black dagger etched with runes. "He was armed with this."

Lucian's heart sank. He knew the craftsmanship—this was no ordinary blade. It was forged by the Council, designed for one purpose: to kill him.

The prisoner raised his head, meeting Lucian's gaze with a smirk. "So, you're the infamous Lucian," he sneered.

"And you're another one of the Council's lackeys," Lucian retorted, his tone cold.

The man chuckled. "Call me what you will, but even pawns can destroy kings."

Lucian stepped forward, towering over him. "Who sent you?"

The man's smile widened. "Why don't you ask your little ally over there?" He nodded toward Selene, whose expression darkened.

"What's he talking about?" Lyra asked, her hand instinctively moving toward her blade.

Selene's golden eyes narrowed. "He's lying. Don't let him manipulate you."

The man laughed louder. "Oh, she's good, I'll give her that. But tell me, Lucian—have you ever wondered how the Council always seems to know your moves?"

Lucian's jaw tightened. His gaze locked on Selene. "Selene, is there something you're not telling me?"

Her face was unreadable. "You know where my loyalties lie," she said evenly.

But the seed of doubt had already been planted. The warriors exchanged uneasy glances, their trust in Selene now fragile.

Lucian turned back to the prisoner, his anger simmering. "If you're lying, you'll regret it."

The man grinned. "Truth or lie, it doesn't matter. The damage is done. Let's see how long your precious alliance lasts."

Lucian's patience snapped. He grabbed the man by the collar and lifted him effortlessly off the ground. "Give me one good reason not to end this now."

The man's grin didn't waver. "Because when the Council's infiltration is fully revealed, you'll want me alive."

Lucian dropped him with a growl. "Magnus," he barked, "lock him up. I want him guarded at all times. If he so much as breathes wrong, kill him."

Magnus nodded, dragging the man away.

As the crowd dispersed, Lucian turned to Lyra and Selene. "We need answers. Now."

Tension crackled between them as they retreated to the tent. The night wasn't over, and the fractures in their alliance were starting to show.