Morning light filtered softly through the jungle canopy.

  Kael and Aelira moved through the trees with quiet precision. Hunting had become routine — a temporary escape from war, even if only for an hour.

  For a while, only the sound of leaves underfoot accompanied them.

  Then—

  “Kael…”

  Her voice was gentle.

  He glanced at her. “Yeah? What is it?”

  Aelira kept walking a few steps before speaking.

  “Don’t overthink everything alone.”

  Kael gave a faint smirk. “That’s random.”

  “It’s not,” she replied calmly. “You’ve been carrying too much lately.”

  He tilted his head slightly. “Trying to play the role of a good girl now?”

  She stopped walking.

  “Really?” she asked. “You think I’d fake worrying about you?”

  The teasing look on his face faded.

  “…I was joking.”

  “I wasn’t.”

  Silence lingered between them for a moment.

  Kael exhaled and looked up at the trees.

  “I’m fine. Just getting nightmares in a while.”

  “The scouts of Aqualis are searching for us,” she said quietly. “You’ve killed many of their soldiers these past few years. They won’t ignore that.”

  His eyes sharpened slightly.

  “Then we won’t give them the chance to surround us.”

  Aelira studied him, then nodded.

  “Together?”

  He gave a small smile.

  “Together.”

  A rustle in the bushes cut their conversation short.

  Kael moved instantly — blade flashing once.

  Moments later, they were heading back with enough food for their unit.

  But the camp atmosphere felt different.

  Heavier.

  Caelum stood near the central clearing, arms

  crossed.

  The moment he saw them, he stepped forward.

  “Kael."

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  The tone was enough.

  “What happened?” Kael asked.

  “Scouts confirmed movement near the northern area,” Caelum replied. “Formation patterns. Disciplined.”

  Kael’s expression hardened.

  “Aqualis?”

  “Most likely.”

  Aelira set the supplies down quietly.

  “As strike unit leader,” Caelum continued, “I’m assuming this won’t be a small clash. If that guy is involved, they’ll send experienced soldiers.”

  Kael crossed his arms.

  “How many?”

  “Enough to test us.”

  Silence fell between the three.

  Aelira spoke first.

  “If we maintain coordination and use the terrain, our chances increase.”

  Caelum nodded slightly.

  “We can’t afford overconfidence.”

  Kael looked at both of them.

  “…We’ve survived every hunt so far.”

  Caelum met his eyes evenly.

  “This time, we might be the hunted.”

  The jungle wind picked up.

  Somewhere beyond the trees—

  Another force was moving.

  North of the forest.

  Heavy boots crushed fallen leaves in synchronized rhythm.

  Banners bearing the crest of Aqualis cut through the dense green like dark blades.

  At the center walked a man untouched by fatigue.

  28 years old Kaelor Mystrade.

  Right hand of Thalrion. Military Commander of Aqualis.

  Immaculate uniform. Measured steps. And a faint, unsettling smile that never fully disappeared.

  Around him, soldiers breathed heavily after hours of marching.

  One of them slowed.

  Kaelor stopped immediately.

  The entire formation froze.

  He turned his head slowly.

  “Tired already?” he asked calmly.

  No one answered.

  He approached the soldier whose breathing was uneven.

  “We’ve marched since dawn, sir—” the soldier began.

  Kaelor’s smile widened slightly.

  “And the revolutionaries have lived freely for years.”

  Silence.

  “They killed your comrades,” Kaelor continued softly. “Mocked this kingdom.”

  His eyes sharpened.

  “This time, no one escapes.”

  He adjusted his gloves.

  “Because I am here.”

  A faint chuckle left his lips — not loud, not exaggerated.

  Cold.

  “Resume formation.”

  The soldiers straightened instantly.

  Fear replaced exhaustion.

  The march resumed.

  Above them, birds scattered from treetops.

  Ahead—

  The Revolutionary Group prepared unknowingly.

  This would not be another small fight.