After the storm

The cold night air stung Jasmine's face as they moved through the forest, the weight of the stolen battle plans heavy on her back. Her body ached from the fight, and the sting of adrenaline was slowly ebbing away, leaving behind an exhaustion that clawed at her limbs. But she pushed forward, her resolve unshaken. They had done the impossible. They had outwitted the commander and stolen the enemy's strategy. Now, they just needed to make it back to the farm, alive.

Caden walked beside her, his steps sure despite the weariness that was evident in his every movement. His sword was still drawn, ready for any sign of danger, but his eyes were focused on Jasmine. He had seen her fight before, but tonight had been different. The way she had moved—swift, deadly—reminded him how much she had changed since she first joined the rebellion.

"You okay?" Caden asked, his voice low and cautious as they weaved through the trees.

Jasmine glanced at him, her eyes shadowed in the dim moonlight. "I'm fine. Just tired."

Caden nodded, though he wasn't convinced. The brush with death in the tent had shaken them both. It wasn't just the physical fight—they had been set up, betrayed by someone in the ranks. The commander had known they were coming, and it had nearly cost them their lives. Trust, always a fragile thing in times of war, felt even more brittle now.

"We'll rest once we're clear of the patrols," Caden said, scanning the horizon. "We can't stop here. They'll come looking for the commander soon."

Jasmine nodded, tightening her grip on the satchel strapped across her chest. The battle plans inside held the key to everything they had fought for—movements, supply lines, weaknesses in the enemy's defenses. If they could get these to their commanders, it would change the course of the war. But the cost had been high. Every step forward carried the weight of those they had lost along the way.

They continued in silence, their footfalls muffled by the forest floor. The night was cold, but it was clear. The sky was a vast expanse of stars, the moon casting faint light over the landscape. As they moved deeper into the forest, the tension between them slowly gave way to the familiar rhythm of survival. They were used to this—fighting in the shadows, running for their lives. But now, something more unspoken hangs between them.

Jasmine couldn't shake the feeling of dread creeping into her mind. Someone had betrayed them. She couldn't stop thinking about it, even as her body screamed for rest. Who had tipped the commander off? How far did this betrayal go?

"Caden," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

He glanced at her, his brow furrowing. "What's on your mind?"

"That ambush," she said, tightening her grip on her dagger. "Someone knew we were coming. Someone on our side."

Caden's face hardened, his jaw tightening. "I've been thinking the same thing," he admitted. "The commander was too prepared. He was waiting for us."

Jasmine felt her heart sink. They were already fighting a war on two fronts—against the king's forces and now, it seemed, against a traitor in their own ranks.

"If someone sold us out," Jasmine continued, her voice low, "we need to figure out who. Before they strike again."

Caden's expression darkened as they pressed forward through the trees. "We will. But first, we get these plans back. If there's a traitor, they won't get the satisfaction of seeing us fail."

The terrain grew steeper as they moved closer to the riverbank. The rush of water had grown louder, a familiar sound that told them they were nearing the halfway point of their journey. Once they crossed, they would be within reach of their allies—safety, or at least the closest thing to it.

As they approached the river, Caden stopped, lifting a hand to signal Jasmine to halt. He knelt, his eyes scanning the area ahead.

"What is it?" Jasmine whispered, her body tensing as she followed his gaze.

Caden frowned, motioning toward a clearing just ahead of the riverbank. "Something's off," he said. "Too quiet."

Jasmine crouched beside him, her senses on high alert. The trees cast long shadows in the moonlight, but the clearing ahead seemed unnaturally still. No movement. No sound of wildlife. Just the steady rush of the river.

Her heart pounded in her chest. "You think they're waiting for us?"

Caden's grip tightened on his sword. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Jasmine scanned the area, her mind racing. They couldn't afford to get caught again, not this close to safety. "What do we do?"

Caden's eyes narrowed as he considered their options. "We go around. Avoid the clearing altogether. It'll take longer, but we can't risk walking into another trap."

Jasmine nodded in agreement. They couldn't afford any more mistakes tonight.

They moved in a wide arc around the clearing, keeping low as they navigated the thick underbrush. Every sound felt amplified in the stillness—the rustle of leaves underfoot, the creak of branches overhead. But they pressed on, trusting in their instincts and in each other.

Finally, they reached the riverbank at a safer crossing point. The cold water stung their legs as they waded across, but neither of them complained. The icy current was preferable to the dangers they'd narrowly avoided.

On the other side, they climbed the embankment, breathless but alive. Jasmine took a moment to catch her breath, glancing back at the darkened forest behind them. They had escaped the enemy camp, but the weight of their mission still hung heavy in the air.

Caden placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch reassuring. "We're almost there," he said, his voice steady despite the exhaustion in his eyes.

Jasmine met his gaze, feeling the warmth of his hand against her skin. "We'll make it," she replied, determination flickering in her chest.

As they disappeared into the trees, the stolen plans tucked safely away, they knew the hardest part of their journey still lay ahead. But together, they would face it—whatever came next.