Flames of Rebellion

The night air was thick with tension and the scent of burning wood as Kaela led her team through the labyrinth of alleyways surrounding the Ashen stronghold. Every footstep was muffled against the cold stone, every breath a visible plume in the chill.

The city lay in eerie silence, broken only by the distant crackle of flames licking at the edges of barricades the rebels had set earlier. Shadows danced wildly on the walls, casting grotesque shapes that seemed to come alive with each flicker.

Kaela's eyes scanned the perimeter, alert for any sign of patrols or traps. Her heart thundered not from fear, but the fierce determination blazing within her chest.

Ahead, the massive iron gates loomed, cold and unyielding. "We breach here," she whispered, nodding to Joren, who produced a small bundle of explosives.

Ava's grip tightened on her weapon, muscles coiled like springs ready to unleash.

As the fuse sparked, the seconds stretched, thick with anticipation.

Then, a thunderous explosion shattered the night, sending shards of metal flying into the air and igniting the first flames of their long-awaited rebellion.