Lucian’s breath caught in his throat.


    They were planning a surprise attack.


    Hundreds of men.


    The Northern base would be wiped out.


    They had to warn the Duke.


    But—James was too injured to move quickly.


    Lucian made his decision instantly.


    “Kane. Joe.” His voice was low, urgent. “Take James and go.”


    Joe stiffened. “No.”


    Kane shook his head. “We’re not leaving you.”


    Lucian’s hands curled into fists. “You HAVE to. If they get to the camp before us, everyone will die.”


    Kane and Joe exchanged glances.


    They knew he was right.


    Lucian saw the hesitation in their eyes. The fear. The unspoken question.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Will we ever see you again?"


    Lucian tried to smile—but it didn’t reach his eyes.


    “Just go.”


    Joe grabbed Lucian by the shoulder, squeezing tightly. Kane hesitated, then pulled Lucian into a rough hug.


    It felt like a farewell.


    Like they were saying goodbye forever.


    Kane pulled away first, his voice low, almost pleading. “Listen. Don’t fight them head-on. Stall them. Delay them. And if it’s too much…” His voice cracked slightly. “Run. Just run.”


    Lucian nodded. “Got it.”


    Then, he watched them disappear into the dark.


    And for the first time, Lucian was alone.


    Lucian’s breath came fast and shallow. His heartbeat thundered in his ears.


    He crouched low, scanning the enemy camp.


    The soldiers were still organizing, going over the plan.


    I don’t have much time.


    Lucian’s eyes darted to the forest.


    A plan formed in his mind. A desperate, reckless, suicidal plan.


    If I can’t fight them head-on…


    He pulled out his dagger and ran toward the trees.


    Lucian worked fast, hands shaking with adrenaline.


    The flexible branches—he twisted and tied them into crude, deadly traps. He buried sharp wooden spikes beneath loose snow. He stacked logs so they would tumble like an avalanche when triggered.


    His hands were raw, and his breath was visible in the freezing air.


    He took one last look at his work.


    It had to be enough.


    Because there was no one else left to fight.


    Lucian crouched in the shadows, gripping his dagger tightly.


    The enemy was coming.


    And he was the only thing standing between them and total slaughter.


    Alone.


    Again.


    But this time—he refused to fall.