The Shackles and The Sunshine

As the rebels regrouped, rumors began to spread among their growing ranks. Some whispered that the kingdom's forces seemed to anticipate their moves too well, striking with uncanny precision.

"They shouldn't have found that last supply caravan so quickly," Garron said one evening, his deep voice filled with suspicion. "Someone's feeding them information."

Aiden's stomach twisted. "Another spy?"

Cara frowned, her sharp eyes scanning the camp. "If it's true, we need to find them before they do more damage."

Over the next few days, Aiden and Cara quietly observed the camp, looking for signs of betrayal. Cara's sharp instincts led her to a young recruit who had recently joined—a man named Brenn.

"He's been asking too many questions," Cara whispered to Aiden one night. "About our numbers, our movements. And he disappears whenever the scouts return."

Aiden's jaw tightened. "If he's the spy, we'll deal with him. But we need proof."

The opportunity came sooner than expected. That night, Aiden followed Brenn as he slipped away from the camp, moving quickly and quietly toward the forest edge.

Aiden stepped into Brenn's path, flames flickering in his hands. "Going somewhere?"

Brenn froze, his face pale. "I… I was just—"

"Save it," Aiden snapped. "Who are you working for?"

Brenn hesitated, then bolted. Aiden's fire lashed out, cutting off his escape and forcing him to the ground.

"Talk," Aiden demanded, his voice cold.

Brenn's resolve crumbled. "The kingdom forced me! They have my family—they said they'd kill them if I didn't report back!"

Aiden's anger faltered. He glanced at Cara, who had arrived moments earlier.

"We can't let him go," Cara said softly.

Aiden nodded grimly. "But we can help his family."

Instead of executing Brenn, Aiden devised a plan to fake the rebel's downfall. They would feed false information to the kingdom, leading them into a trap while rescuing Brenn's family.

It was a risky move, but one that could buy the rebels time—and prove to the others that their cause wasn't just about destruction.

As the camp prepared for their next mission, Aiden felt the weight of leadership heavier than ever. But he also felt something else—a growing flame of determination that no betrayal could extinguish.

---

The rebels moved with purpose under the cover of night, their numbers scattered to maintain secrecy. Aiden led the core group deep into the forest, Brenn trailing nervously behind. His confession had shaken the camp, but Aiden's decision to spare him had sparked quiet debates among the ranks.

"This has to work," Cara said softly as they climbed a ridge overlooking the valley.

"It will," Aiden replied, though his voice carried the weight of uncertainty.

Using Brenn's inside knowledge, the group crafted a message to the kingdom. It detailed the rebels' supposed location—a valley clearing that was easily defensible but had limited escape routes.

"We make it look convincing," Aiden explained. "They'll send everything they've got, thinking it's their chance to crush us."

Garron grinned. "And instead, we'll crush them."

The plan was deceptively simple: set the trap, lure the kingdom's forces in, and ambush them from all sides. But the risk was high. If the rebels were discovered early, the entire operation would collapse.

Brenn carried the false message to a prearranged drop point. His hands trembled as he placed the parchment beneath a hollow log.

"They'll come," he whispered, glancing back at Aiden and Cara, who watched from a distance.

"They'd better," Cara said, her tone sharp but not unkind. "Or you'll have a lot more to answer for."

Brenn swallowed hard and nodded.

Aiden placed a hand on his shoulder. "You did the right thing. Stay strong."

The group retreated into the shadows, awaiting the kingdom's response.