The trap unfolds

Caden's heart thudded in his chest as the unmistakable clash of steel rang out from the commander's tent. Instinct took over, and he sprinted forward, sword drawn, every muscle tensed for a fight. The plan had gone wrong, and now Jasmine was in danger.

As he approached the entrance, he caught a glimpse of her darting aside, narrowly avoiding a deadly strike from the commander's blade. The man moved with the precision of a seasoned warrior, his eyes cold and calculating, as if he had all the time in the world to finish her off. Jasmine was quick, but the commander was stronger, his strikes deliberate and brutal.

Caden burst into the tent without a second thought. His sword met the commander's with a sharp clang, forcing the larger man to take a step back. The impact reverberated through Caden's arm, but he held firm, his gaze locked on the enemy.

The commander's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Ah, two rats in my trap," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "I was expecting you."

"Then you should've prepared better," Caden shot back, lunging forward with a series of swift strikes.

The commander parried each one with ease, his movements smooth and controlled. "I don't need to prepare for the likes of you."

Jasmine, regaining her footing, circled around to the commander's side, her dagger held low and ready. Her eyes met Caden's for a brief moment—an unspoken understanding passing between them. They needed to work together, or neither of them would make it out alive.

Caden pressed the attack, forcing the commander to focus on him. Their swords clashed again and again, the sound filling the small tent. Sparks flew from the force of their blows, and for a moment, it seemed like the commander might overpower him. But Jasmine was quick, her dagger flashing as she darted in from the side, aiming for the commander's exposed flank.

The commander snarled, twisting at the last second to avoid the strike. He brought his sword around in a brutal arc, the blade aimed squarely at Jasmine's chest. She barely managed to leap back, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps.

"You're out of your depth, girl," the commander sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. "And you—" he glanced at Caden, "—should've stayed hidden in the shadows where you belong."

Caden didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he tightened his grip on his sword and stepped forward again, attacking with renewed determination. The commander blocked the strike, but Caden could see the fatigue starting to show in his movements. The man was strong, but even he couldn't keep up with the two attackers forever.

Jasmine moved in again, her dagger aimed low. This time, the commander couldn't avoid her. The blade sank into his side, drawing a grunt of pain from the man. His expression darkened, and he swung wildly, forcing Jasmine and Caden to back off.

The commander's eyes were wild now, the calm composure he'd shown at the start of the fight replaced by fury. He bared his teeth in a snarl, blood dripping from the wound in his side. "You think you've won?" he growled. "I've faced far worse than you."

But Caden could see the truth. The commander was hurt, and his anger was making him sloppy. This was their chance.

With a quick nod to Jasmine, Caden surged forward again, his sword aimed directly at the commander's chest. The man swung to block, but his movements were slower now, less precise. Caden's blade connected with his shoulder, drawing another pained grunt from the commander.

Jasmine darted in once more, this time aiming for the commander's back. Her dagger found its mark, sinking deep into his flesh. The commander let out a strangled cry, his body jerking in pain.

For a moment, the commander stood frozen, his face twisted in agony. Then, with a final, guttural growl, he collapsed to the ground, blood pooling around him. His sword slipped from his hand, clattering to the floor.

Caden stood over him, his chest heaving, sword still raised. The commander's body twitched once, then went still. It was over.

Jasmine, breathing hard, wiped the blood from her dagger and sheathed it. Her eyes were hard, but there was a flicker of relief beneath the exhaustion. "We need to move," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in her frame.

Caden nodded, still catching his breath. "Agreed. That commotion will bring the guards."

Jasmine quickly turned to the table in the center of the tent, where the maps and documents lay scattered. She rifled through them, her fingers trembling slightly as she searched for the battle plans. After a few tense moments, she found the one they were looking for—the enemy's strategy, laid out in detail. She stuffed it into a small leather satchel, slung it over her shoulder, and turned back to Caden.

"Let's go."

They slipped out of the tent into the cold night air, the enemy camp still unaware of the commander's demise. For now, the shadows were their allies. They moved swiftly, sticking to the darkness between the tents, their footsteps barely audible against the dirt.

But the camp wasn't entirely silent. In the distance, voices drifted toward them—guards patrolling the perimeter. Jasmine motioned for Caden to stop, her ears straining to catch every sound. Two figures were approaching, their conversation casual, but their presence dangerous.

Caden tensed, hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. "We need to get to the river," he whispered.

Jasmine nodded, her eyes scanning the camp for an alternate route. The guards were moving too close to their planned exit, and any encounter now would spell disaster. She gestured toward a narrow gap between two large tents, and they slipped through without a sound.

The guards passed by, none the wiser.

They reached the riverbank moments later. The cold water rushed past them, but Jasmine didn't hesitate. She waded into the icy stream, her breath catching as the chill bit into her legs. Caden followed, both of them moving as quickly as they could without making too much noise.

When they reached the other side, Jasmine collapsed onto the grass, her body trembling from the cold and the adrenaline. Caden crouched beside her, scanning the horizon for any sign of pursuit. But for now, the night remained still.

"We did it," Jasmine breathed, her voice thick with exhaustion.

Caden nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah. But we're not out of danger yet."

Jasmine pushed herself to her feet, determination still burning in her eyes. "Let's get these plans back to the farm. This war isn't over."

Together, they disappeared into the trees, the stolen plans tucked safely away. The tide of the war was about to shift, and they were one step closer to victory.