The Outpost of Thorns had changed in a matter of weeks.
Once a ruin, now a fortress reborn.
Flags stitched from stolen cloth hung along the battlements. Sentries stood guard at every wall. Smiths worked through the night forging blades from salvaged iron.
In the council chamber, Edward stood before a crude map spread across a table scarred by age.
"Three royal patrol routes," he said, tracing a line with his finger. "Each supplies weapons to the capital. If we cut them off, we cripple the army's advance."
Rowan nodded. "I can take the fleet south. My ships can intercept their supply line by sea."
Evelyn leaned forward. "And I'll handle the codes. The royal messengers use ciphered routes — my father taught me how to read them."
Edward looked at her, pride flickering in his eyes. "You'll lead the infiltration team."
A few soldiers shifted uneasily, but Evelyn met their stares head-on. "If anyone doubts my loyalty," she said calmly, "they're free to test it."
No one spoke. The matter was settled.
That night, the rain returned.
The fortress shuddered beneath thunder as the sea raged below.
Evelyn stood alone in the war room, studying the map by candlelight. The storm's reflection trembled across her face — half light, half shadow.
Footsteps echoed behind her. She didn't need to turn to know it was Edward.
"You should rest," he said.
"So should you."
He smiled faintly. "I can't."
She turned, eyes meeting his. "Because of the plan?"
"Because of what it might cost," he admitted. "If this fails — if they catch you — they'll use you to destroy everything we've built."
Her gaze softened. "And if we succeed?"
"Then we'll have to face the world we've broken."
For a long moment, neither spoke. The storm rumbled like a distant heartbeat.
Then, quietly, Evelyn said, "We've both lived for duty. Maybe it's time we lived for something else."
Edward stepped closer, his voice a whisper. "And what would that be?"
She looked up at him. "For each other."
The candle flickered between them — one small light against a world at war.
Their hands brushed, a single, trembling moment of connection before the thunder rolled again and shattered the silence.
Evelyn pulled away, her voice trembling. "Tomorrow, we fight."
Edward nodded. "Then tonight, we remember why."