The Unveiling of Deception

Evelyn's heart pounded as she met the traitor's gaze. The flickering torchlight cast deep shadows across their face, revealing the tension in their jaw, the slight tremble of their fingers. It was someone she had trusted, someone who had fought beside her for years.

"Why?" she demanded, voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside her.

The traitor hesitated, then clenched their jaw. "You wouldn't understand," they muttered. "I did what I had to."

Kael stepped forward, blade drawn, but Evelyn raised a hand to stop him. She needed answers before judgment was passed. "Who are you working for?"

A mirthless chuckle escaped the traitor's lips. "It doesn't matter now. They'll be here soon."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine. The enemy wasn't just gathering forces outside their walls—their attack had already begun.

A sharp whistle cut through the night air. Shouts erupted from the camp as soldiers scrambled into defensive positions. The battle had come sooner than expected.

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "Kael, take them to the dungeon. Lysara, alert the outer watch. We need to be ready."

Kael didn't hesitate. He grabbed the traitor's arm and hauled them toward the barracks, his grip unyielding.

Evelyn turned toward the sounds of clashing steel. The war for their survival had begun, and she would fight until her last breath to ensure they lived to see another dawn.