Chapter 75: Shadows of Deception

The tension in the air was palpable as Lucian's warriors packed the camp. Supplies were gathered in haste, injured soldiers supported by their comrades, and the crackle of dying campfires was drowned out by murmurs of unease. Word of the ambush had spread like wildfire, and the uncertainty of who could be trusted loomed over them like a storm cloud.

Lucian stood at the edge of the camp, his crimson blade sheathed but his eyes scanning every shadow. Amara's words echoed in his mind, her voice haunting and teasing. The greatest threat comes from within.

Lyra approached him, her presence a mixture of confidence and concern. "We're ready to move, but the warriors are restless. They're questioning why the Council keeps finding us."

He turned to her, his jaw tight. "They aren't the only ones questioning."

Lyra frowned. "You think there's a traitor?"

"I know there is," Lucian replied, his voice a low growl. "And Amara's appearance only confirms it. Someone is feeding the Council our movements. We're too exposed, too predictable."

Lyra stepped closer, lowering her voice. "If that's true, we need to find them before they strike again. But we can't let paranoia tear us apart. You need to keep the others united, Lucian."

His gaze softened as he looked at her. "You're right. But this isn't just paranoia, Lyra. Amara has a way of getting into people's heads, twisting them. She's dangerous."

"And what about you?" Lyra asked, her tone sharp but not unkind. "She clearly knows how to manipulate you too. I saw it in your eyes when you mentioned her name."

Lucian's eyes darkened. "Amara was a part of my past, a mistake I won't repeat. She thinks she can sow doubt among us, but I won't let her win."

Before Lyra could respond, Magnus approached, his massive frame casting a shadow over them. "The scouts have returned," he rumbled. "The northern cliffs are clear, but they spotted movement in the valleys to the west. Could be Council scouts, or worse."

Lucian nodded. "We'll take the longer route through the forest. It's more dangerous, but it'll give us cover."

Magnus grunted in agreement and turned to relay the orders, leaving Lucian and Lyra alone once more.

"Stay close to me," Lucian said, his voice softer now. "I can't afford to lose you."

Lyra's lips curved into a small, sad smile. "You won't. But you need to let me protect you too, Lucian. This isn't just your fight."

He didn't respond, but the flicker of vulnerability in his eyes said enough.

The journey through the forest was grueling. Thick undergrowth and towering trees created an oppressive canopy, and the warriors moved in near silence, their senses attuned to every sound.

Selene walked a few paces behind Lucian and Lyra, her expression unreadable. The tension between her and Lyra had only grown since the ambush, and whispers among the warriors hinted at growing suspicion.

It was nearing midnight when they reached a clearing, the moonlight casting an eerie glow on the landscape. Lucian raised a hand, signaling the group to stop.

"We'll rest here," he said. "Set up a perimeter. No fires."

As the warriors spread out, Lucian's gaze found Selene. "A word," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Selene followed him to the edge of the clearing, away from prying ears. "What is it?" she asked, her voice steady but guarded.

"Tell me the truth, Selene," Lucian said, his eyes piercing. "Have you been in contact with Amara?"

Selene's eyes widened, and for the first time, she looked genuinely offended. "You think I'm the traitor?"

"I think Amara's too clever to act without an inside source," Lucian replied. "You've been by my side for years, Selene. If it's not you, then prove it."

Her hands clenched into fists. "I don't need to prove anything to you, Lucian. I've risked my life for this cause more times than I can count. If you don't trust me, then maybe you don't deserve my loyalty."

Before Lucian could respond, a blood-curdling scream pierced the night.

They spun around, weapons drawn, as the camp erupted into chaos. Shadows moved among the trees, and the air was filled with the sound of clashing steel.

Lucian charged into the fray, his crimson blade cutting through an enemy soldier with ease. These weren't Council forces—they moved differently, their strikes wild and uncoordinated.

"Bandits," Lyra shouted, joining him. "They must have been following us!"

Magnus bellowed orders, his axe carving a path through the attackers. Selene appeared beside Lyra, the two women fighting back-to-back despite their tension.

The battle was fierce but short-lived. The bandits were no match for Lucian's warriors, and those who survived fled into the forest.

As the dust settled, Lucian surveyed the camp. The bandits had left behind minimal casualties, but the attack had further frayed the group's nerves.

"We can't stay here," Lyra said, her voice firm. "They'll come back with reinforcements."

Lucian nodded, his mind racing. "We move now. Double the perimeter guards. No one strays from the group."

As the warriors prepared to leave, Lucian's gaze drifted to Selene. She was tending to a wounded soldier, her movements precise and practiced.

Lyra stepped beside him, her tone quiet. "Do you still suspect her?"

"I don't know," Lucian admitted. "But until I do, I'll keep her close."

Lyra nodded, but her expression remained troubled. "Be careful, Lucian. The closer you keep her, the harder it'll be to see the truth."

He didn't respond, his focus shifting to the path ahead. The northern cliffs were still days away, and the journey promised to be more treacherous than ever.

But as the group pressed deeper into the forest, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. And somewhere in the shadows, Amara was surely waiting.