Unmasking the Intruder

Evelyn's breath caught as she stared into the familiar eyes of the person beneath her blade. The flickering candlelight revealed the intruder's face—Soren, one of her most trusted scouts.

"Soren?" she hissed, loosening her grip slightly but keeping the sword pressed against his throat. "What are you doing sneaking into my tent? Speak quickly before I decide you're the traitor."

Soren swallowed hard, raising his hands in surrender. "It's not what it looks like. I had to speak with you alone—no one else can know."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed, suspicion clawing at her mind. She glanced toward the shadows where Kael and Lysara were hidden, knowing they would intervene if needed. "You picked a dangerous way to do it," she muttered. "Talk. Now."

Soren took a shaky breath. "I've been tracking the masked warrior since the ambush. I found something... something you need to see."

Evelyn hesitated, reading the desperation in his expression. She stepped back, allowing him to sit up. "What did you find?"

"Not here," he said urgently. "If I tell you now, they'll know. We need to leave the camp, just for a short while."

A dangerous request. Evelyn knew stepping away from the safety of camp could expose her to an ambush. But something in Soren's voice made her pause.

She met his gaze. "If you're lying to me, I'll make you regret it."

Soren nodded. "I know. That's why I'm risking this. Trust me, Evelyn. This could change everything."

After a long moment, Evelyn sheathed her sword. "Lead the way. But if this is a trap, you won't live to see another sunrise."