Eve Middleton

That morning, the sky was slightly overcast, as if foretelling that their journey to the rebels' hideout would be filled with challenges. Zanuba, Piere, and Alaric walked along the narrow path leading to the outskirts of the city. The atmosphere around them grew tenser, with old trees and buildings casting shadows that made their journey eerily quiet. Only the sound of footsteps and the occasional rustle of the wind accompanied them.

Zanuba appeared focused, her eyes fixed straight ahead on the road. Piere walked beside her, occasionally glancing her way to ensure everything was alright. Alaric, as usual, lagged a bit behind, arms crossed and a relaxed expression on his face, as if they were on a leisurely stroll to a garden rather than heading to a rebel base that could determine the future of the kingdom.

Suddenly, Alaric stopped. "I need to step away for a bit," he said lightly, as if he had just remembered something he had forgotten.