Pursuit into Darkness

Evelyn's breath was ragged, but she refused to slow down. The enemy was retreating, but she knew better than to let them escape unchecked. Their forces had been dealt a significant blow, but if they regrouped, they would return stronger.

"Kael! Gather the cavalry! We need to cut them off before they reach the valley!" she ordered.

Kael wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. "Understood!"

Lysara appeared at Evelyn's side, eyes sharp as ever despite the exhaustion that clung to all of them. "We should send scouts ahead. The enemy may be leading us into a trap."

Evelyn clenched her jaw. "Agreed. Send our fastest riders to track their movements. We move in waves—no one rushes in blindly."

The battle-worn warriors rallied as the cavalry prepared to ride. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and blood, and the distant cries of the wounded echoed across the battlefield. Despite their victory, the weight of war still pressed upon them.

As they rode out under the dim moonlight, Evelyn kept her eyes on the tree line ahead. Shadows danced between the trunks, and unease coiled in her gut. Something felt wrong.

Then, a sudden whistle cut through the air—a warning too late.

An explosion of arrows descended upon them from the trees. Ambush.

Evelyn barely had time to react as chaos erupted around her. The battle was far from over, and the enemy was not done fighting yet.