Proving Allegiance

The Resistance gathered in the briefing room, Lucian standing off to the side as Dorian laid out the plan. Their next target was a Ministry-controlled supply depot—a critical hub for their operations in the region.

"This is where we'll see if Lucian's intel is worth anything," Dorian said, his voice sharp. "He claims there's a blind spot in their security. If he's right, we'll get in and out without being detected. If he's wrong…"

Lyra glanced at Lucian, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

"I won't be wrong," Lucian said.

The Mission

The team moved under the cover of darkness, following Lucian's lead. He navigated the group through back alleys and hidden paths, his knowledge of the Ministry's patrol routes proving invaluable.

As they approached the supply depot, Lucian signaled for them to stop. "The blind spot is just ahead," he whispered. "There's a gap in their patrols every ten minutes. We need to move quickly."

Dorian studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Lyra, Ava, you're with me. The rest of you, hold the perimeter."

The team slipped through the blind spot undetected, their movements silent and precise. Inside the depot, they worked quickly, planting explosives and gathering supplies.

But just as they were about to leave, an alarm blared.

"What happened?" Dorian demanded, his voice tense.

"It wasn't me!" Lucian said, his eyes scanning the area. "They must have updated their security protocols."

Dorian's glare was icy, but there was no time for accusations. Ministry soldiers swarmed the depot, their weapons drawn.

Lucian acted quickly, using his knowledge of the facility to lead the team through a hidden exit. The Resistance escaped, but the mission's success was overshadowed by doubt.

Back at the Safehouse

The team returned with the supplies they had managed to secure, but the tension was palpable.

Dorian confronted Lucian as soon as they were inside. "You said there was a blind spot. That alarm almost got us killed."

"They changed the protocols," Lucian said defensively. "I didn't know."

"And we're supposed to trust you after that?" Dorian snapped.

Lyra stepped between them. "Enough. We got what we came for, and no one was hurt. Let's focus on what's next."

Dorian glared at Lucian before turning away. "This doesn't prove anything," he said.

Lucian met Lyra's gaze, his expression serious. "I'll make it up to you. I swear."

Lyra nodded, though doubt lingered in her mind. Trusting him was a gamble, but something in her heart told her it was a risk worth taking.

Meanwhile, at the Ministry

The failed ambush at the supply depot didn't go unnoticed. High-ranking officials gathered in a secure room, their expressions grim as they reviewed the surveillance footage.

One of them spoke, his voice cold. "Lucian Aedric was spotted during the attack. He's working with the Resistance."

The room fell silent as the implications sank in.

"Find him," the official ordered. "And bring him back. Alive."

Back at the Resistance base, Lyra sat alone in her room, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Lucian had risked everything to help them tonight. Despite the complications, his intel had proven mostly accurate. But the tension between him and Dorian wasn't going to fade anytime soon.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she said.

The door creaked open, and Lucian stepped inside, his expression hesitant.

"I wanted to thank you," he said. "For standing up for me back there."

Lyra crossed her arms, meeting his gaze. "I didn't do it for you. I did it for the mission. You may have helped us tonight, but you still have a lot to prove."

Lucian nodded, his jaw tightening. "I understand. But I need you to know something—I'm not doing this just to save myself. I'm doing it because I believe in what you're fighting for."

Lyra softened slightly, but she didn't let her guard down. "Then show us. Actions speak louder than words."

Lucian gave her a faint smile. "I intend to."