Chapter 42: War Plans

Chapter 42: War Plans

Silvia's POV

The underground cavern bustled with movement as the exiles began preparing. Warriors sharpened their weapons, strategists huddled together, and scouts whispered of the movements of their enemies above. This alliance had been formed, but now it needed direction.

Silvia stood at the center of it all, the weight of responsibility settling heavy on her shoulders. She could feel the eyes of the exiles on her—not just as a leader, but as a risk. She had convinced them to listen, but had she convinced them to believe?

Dragon and Tarren stood beside her as the elder exile, Valtir, approached. His silver eyes held the wisdom of centuries, but also a guarded caution. "The corporations and the city-states have ruled through deception and fear. If we challenge them directly, they will strike first and without hesitation."

Silvia nodded. "We can't afford to give them the advantage. We need to control the battlefield before they do. What do we know about their next move?"

Raleth stepped forward, arms crossed. "Our scouts have reported an increase in patrols along the borders of city-state territories. They are gathering forces, but not for defense—for an attack. The corporations are pushing them toward all-out war."

Tarren frowned. "If they mobilize their armies, they'll wipe out any resistance before it has a chance to take hold."

Dragon exhaled sharply. "Then we hit them first."

Silvia turned to him, raising a brow. "With what army? We have warriors, but not enough to take on a full-scale force. If we start an open war now, we're finished."

Valtir gave a slow nod. "Then we must fight differently."

A Different Kind of War

Silvia studied the map that had been etched into the stone table before them. The major city-states were heavily fortified, each controlled by either a corrupt government or corporate influence. Attacking them directly would be suicide.

"We need to undermine their power," Silvia said, tracing her finger along the trade routes marked on the map. "The corporations rely on their resources. If we disrupt their supply chains, we weaken them without engaging in a full-scale battle."

Raleth smirked. "Sabotage? I like this plan already."

Tarren leaned over the map. "It's a start, but they'll respond quickly. We'll need to strike in multiple places at once to keep them from reinforcing their weak points."

Dragon studied Silvia carefully. "This is a risky plan, but it gives us an edge. If we can cut them off before they realize what's happening, we could force them into a defensive position instead of an attack."

Silvia met his gaze. "Exactly. We make them fight on our terms."

Valtir tapped a worn hand against the table. "You will need more than warriors for this. You will need infiltrators. People who can move unseen within their ranks."

Silvia nodded. "Then we find them. There are those in the city-states who don't support this war. If we can reach them, we can turn them to our cause."

Tarren smirked. "Guess it's time for a little recruitment."

The First Steps

The following morning, Silvia gathered a small team to travel to the nearest city-state. Raleth insisted on accompanying her, along with a few trusted exiles. The plan was simple: find sympathizers, convince them of the truth, and secure their aid. But nothing was ever that easy.

As they set out, Dragon walked beside Silvia, his presence steadying. "You know this could be a trap. If the corporations find out we're trying to turn people against them, they won't hesitate to silence us."

Silvia nodded. "I know. But we have to take the risk. If we don't, we'll never have a chance at winning this war."

They traveled in silence for a while, the tunnels winding deeper. The city-state of Vexhall was their target—one of the largest remaining human-controlled territories. It was a place of wealth and power, where corporate influence ran deep.

As they neared the city's outskirts, they came upon an old outpost, its walls crumbling from years of neglect. Raleth raised a hand, signaling them to stop. "We should wait here until nightfall. It's safer to enter under cover of darkness."

Silvia agreed, though she hated the idea of waiting. Time was against them, and every moment wasted gave their enemies more power. But caution was necessary.

They set up camp in the ruins, taking turns keeping watch. As the others rested, Silvia and Dragon sat near the fire, speaking in hushed voices.

The Risk of Trust

Dragon watched the flames, his expression unreadable. "You're willing to trust these people, but do you think they'll trust you?"

Silvia sighed. "I don't know. But I have to believe that there are still people out there who want something better. People who don't want to see the world burn."

Dragon reached out, brushing his fingers against hers. "You always believe in the best of people. Even after everything."

She met his gaze. "Because if I stop believing, then I've already lost."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy with things unsaid. Then Dragon smirked, squeezing her hand briefly before letting go. "Then let's make sure we don't lose."

Silvia smiled. "Agreed."

Dragon stretched out his legs and grinned. "You know, if we're going to keep sneaking into dangerous places together, we should really establish some ground rules."

Silvia arched a brow. "Oh? Enlighten me."

He leaned back against a broken column. "First rule: If I heroically save your life, you owe me dinner."

She smirked. "And if I save yours?"

Dragon pretended to think. "Then I'll allow you the honor of watching me cook for you."

Silvia snorted. "Do you even know how to cook?"

Dragon gave her a wounded look. "I am deeply offended by your doubt. I can make a mean roasted meat stew."

She laughed, shaking her head. "I'll believe it when I see it."

He leaned a little closer, the firelight flickering in his golden eyes. "Stick around long enough, and you just might."

Silvia's breath caught for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a smirk. "Then don't go getting yourself killed before you prove it."

Dragon grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it."

As the night stretched on, she stared into the fire, determination settling deep within her chest. The battle ahead would be dangerous, but they weren't fighting for power or control.

They were fighting for something greater.

And she would do whatever it took to win.