The Shackles and The Sunshine

The forest's dense canopy filtered out the moonlight, casting shifting shadows over the group as they moved deeper into the woods. Aiden walked at the front, his firelight casting a warm, flickering glow that guided their steps. His thoughts were heavy, replaying Lira's words about the spy.

He glanced back at the group. Finn stumbled slightly under the weight of his pack, but Garron steadied him with a grunt and a nod. Cara was somewhere near the rear, ensuring no one was left behind. Lira walked beside Aiden, her silence sharper than any blade.

"We'll stop here," Aiden announced as they reached a clearing. The ground was soft but dry, shielded by towering trees.

The group dropped their gear, the tension palpable. Even as they began setting up their temporary camp, Aiden could feel the undercurrent of unease rippling through them.

Later that night, as the camp settled into a tentative quiet, Aiden found Lira sharpening her blade by the fire.

"You're unusually quiet," he said, sitting across from her.

"Just thinking," she replied without looking up.

Aiden leaned forward. "You think it's someone in the group."

Lira met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "I think we've been lucky for too long. And luck always runs out."

"I need you to be sure," Aiden said. "If we start throwing accusations around, it'll tear us apart."

Lira's hand stilled on her blade. "I know. But you need to be ready for what happens if I find proof."

Aiden nodded, his jaw tightening. "Do what you have to do. Just keep it quiet."

---

By morning, the unease had settled into a quiet determination. The group gathered around the map, spread across a fallen tree trunk.

"The supply depot is still our best target," Lira said, tapping the map. "But we'll need to approach it differently. The patrol that found us may have been headed there. They'll be on high alert."

"We can't afford to wait," Garron rumbled. "The longer we sit here, the more time they have to tighten their defenses."

Cara nodded. "Agreed. But we need a diversion to draw their attention away from the depot."

"What kind of diversion?" Finn asked, his voice hesitant but curious.

Aiden looked at the map, an idea forming. "We split into two groups. One heads toward the depot as planned. The other hits a nearby outpost—loud and messy. If we time it right, the kingdom's forces will focus on the outpost, leaving the depot vulnerable."

"Risky," Lira said, her brow furrowing.

"Riskier than staying on the run?" Aiden countered.

Lira held his gaze for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But if this goes wrong, it's on you."

The group divided into two teams. Aiden, Lira, and Finn would take the depot, while Cara and Garron led the assault on the outpost. They synchronized their movements, aiming to strike just as the sun dipped below the horizon.

The outpost was a small, fortified structure built along a trade road. Cara and Garron crept through the underbrush, their movements silent. Garron carried a barrel of oil they had scavenged, while Cara kept watch with her bow.

Once close enough, Garron began pouring oil around the base of the outpost. Cara struck flint against her arrow, lighting its tip before firing it into the oil-soaked wood. Flames roared to life, quickly consuming the structure.

The guards inside scrambled to respond, their shouts echoing through the forest. Cara picked them off one by one as they emerged, her arrows precise and deadly.

Meanwhile, Aiden, Lira, and Finn approached the depot under the cover of darkness. Aiden's fire flickered faintly in his palm, ready to strike but carefully concealed.

The depot was larger than expected, with a high fence and several guards patrolling the perimeter. Lira took the lead, motioning for them to wait as she silently dispatched the nearest guard with a blade to the throat.

Finn followed closely, his dagger trembling slightly in his hand. Aiden placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "You've got this," he whispered.

They moved quickly, taking out the guards one by one until they reached the main gate. Aiden raised his hand, sending a concentrated blast of fire at the lock. The gate creaked open, and they slipped inside.

The depot was packed with crates of weapons and supplies. Finn began loading as much as he could onto a cart while Lira stood watch.

Aiden turned his focus to the storage sheds, igniting several barrels of gunpowder. The resulting explosions shook the ground, sending plumes of smoke and fire into the sky.

By the time both groups regrouped at the rendezvous point, the forest was alive with the sound of distant shouts and alarm bells.

"We did it," Finn said, his face flushed with excitement.

"For now," Lira replied, her tone cautious.

Aiden's eyes scanned the group, lingering on each face. The success of their missions was undeniable, but so was the danger that loomed larger than ever. The kingdom would retaliate, and the spy—if there was one—would be even more dangerous.

"We keep moving," Aiden said, his voice firm. "We'll figure out our next move once we're safe."

As the group packed up and prepared to move again, Lira caught Aiden's arm.

"I've been watching," she said, her voice low. "And I think I know who the spy is."

Aiden's heart sank. "Who?"

Lira hesitated, her eyes scanning the camp. "It's Finn."

The name hit Aiden like a blow. He turned to look at the boy, who was laughing with Garron near the fire, the weight of the rebellion seemingly forgotten in his youthful excitement.

"You're sure?" Aiden asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lira nodded. "The timing, the mistakes... it all adds up."

Aiden's jaw tightened as he wrestled with the revelation. Finn was young, scared, and eager to prove himself. But if Lira was right, the consequences of his betrayal could cost them everything.