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Except for the flickering crackle of torches set on the stone walls, the war room in the center of Stormclaw's citadel was quiet. The oak table was covered with a thick map, the edges of the parchment curling from use. Their forces'—and their adversaries'—positions were indicated by red and black markers scattered across the terrain.

Standing at the head of the table, Thalia's keen eyes looked over every detail and potential gap in Orion's fortifications. She had endured years of suffering under Killian's control, years that were undervalued. No more. She was the one at the forefront now.

Ryker rested his arms against the table next to her as he leaned over it. His wolf was barely contained inside his skin, and his face was set in a cruel line. Their most trusted fighters, commanders, strategists, and allies who had sworn allegiance to the cause, were gathered in the room.

Ryker stated, "We don't have the numbers to match Orion head-on," in a steady but quiet voice. However, we don't require them. We make use of the terrain. We employ strategy. We also take advantage of Orion's underestimation of us.

Thalia gave a nod. He is accustomed to using terror rather than loyalty to rule. The rest of his army will disintegrate if we disrupt his chain of command.

One of the fighters, Dain, a seasoned combatant, folded his arms. "You're saying that we should approach their leadership directly?"

"Yes," Thalia firmly said. We are aware that Orion intends to attack us before we do. That's what we utilize. We give them the impression that they are in control, then we turn the tables on them.

Ashen, a younger warrior, scowled. That's dangerous. If they figure it out—

Ryker cut in with an unequivocal tone, "Then we'll already be ahead of them." "Orion made the error of expecting that we would fight this battle in the manner that he anticipates. We won't.

After a pause, a voice called out to them: that of an experienced scout named Elias. Last night, our spies discovered movement in the woodland close to Thornwood. A little unit. An assassination team, probably.

The room was filled with a murmur.

"They're pursuing us," Dain remarked somberly.

Thalia tightened her jaw. "Allow them to arrive."

Ryker's lips were twisted by a sneer. "What they're looking for won't be found."

In Thalia's mind, the plan was already taking shape, with each element coming together like the final brushstrokes of a beautifully painted picture.

As she moved toward the table, she remarked, "They believe they are pursuing us." "However, they will walk right into our arms."

Ashen paused. "To set a trap, you mean?"

Ryker nodded slowly. "An extremely accurate one."

Thalia looked over at Elias. "Tell me everything you know about the forest unit. How many? In which direction?

From his belt, Elias took a smaller map and placed it on top of the bigger one. Six, possibly seven. They are circumnavigating our main camp with caution, but they haven't gotten close enough to be visible.

Ryker murmured, "They're gathering information before striking." "They won't attack until they are aware of our vulnerabilities."

Thalia remarked, "That means we give them a weakness to see." "We entice them and give them the impression that they are ahead."

Dain let out a harsh sigh. "Then?"

Thalia's eyes were icy. "Then we use them as an example."

The fighters exchanged glances, with some grimacing and others nodding in agreement.

On the map, Elias tapped a point. Just west of our secondary camp, there is a ravine. There is no simple way out once they enter the narrowing terrain.

Ryker's eyes shone brightly. "We're going to take them there."

Thalia looked across at Ashen. assemble the swiftest combatants. We require a unit that can move quickly and covertly.

Ashen nodded and straightened. "I'll have them prepared in an hour."

Ryker gave Thalia a quick look. What about the bigger conflict? We still have to deal with Orion's army after eliminating his assassins.

Thalia's face was unintelligible. "We target Orion directly."

There was silence in the room.

Dain's forehead wrinkled. "You wish to eliminate him before the conflict even begins?"

Ryker studied her and let out a deep exhale. "This has been on your mind for some time."

"I have," Thalia acknowledged. "The reason for this battle is Orion. Thornwood will pursue him if he falls.

Elias paused. "It won't be simple."

"Never is," Thalia stated plainly. "But it's essential."

Ryker looked around the space. Next, we get ready. Before the first sword is drawn, the fight begins.

The fighters gave a nod, and some of them started to follow commands.

Thalia and Ryker were still there, staring at the map as the room went dark.

"That's it," Ryker whispered. "The final game."

Thalia ran her fingers over the edges of Thornwood. "We complete this. Stop running. No more hiding.

Ryker's hand was warm and solid when he reached for it. "With each other."

Something unreadable flickered in her face as she glanced up at him. Then she nodded slightly.

"With each other."

\---

The preparations proceeded with silent efficiency as the night dragged on. The air was heavy with the smell of torches and sharpened steel. To prepare for what lay ahead, warriors moved in the shadows.

Thalia watched the woodland from the edge of the encampment. The change in the air, the weight of something inevitable, was palpable to her.

She heard a rustling sound in the trees.

Steps. Not quiet enough, but quiet enough.

Her hand was on the dagger at her hip as she tensed.

Then—

Just across the tree line, a shadow moved.

Not one of them.

Silver eyes watched her, flickering in the darkness. Not familiar. Uncomfortable.

Once, Thalia's heart thumped.

Not a wolf.

It was something else.

The figure then disappeared into the trees as swiftly as it had appeared.

Thalia snapped around, looking in the shadows, but nothing was there.

But the sensation persisted.

She inhaled deeply, her muscles tensed like a spring, poised to attack.

"Thalia?" She looked over her shoulder as Ryker spoke softly behind her.

A whisper, "Something's out there," she said.

Ryker stared into the darkness after her. Even though the woodland was quiet, there was an odd weight in the air.

He inquired, "More of Orion’s spies?"

Thalia gave a headshake. "No. This is not like the others.

Ryker's face grew serious. "Then we need to find out what."

Thalia gripped her dagger tighter.

Something was coming.

And it wasn't just Orion this time.