Kael was awake long before the first light of dawn crept through the cracks in their hideout. His thoughts swirled with fragments of dreams—or were they visions? Whispers of the Veil, shadows that shifted and changed form, and a feeling of being pulled toward something he didn't understand.
He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside as he rolled up the map. This wasn't the time to doubt. He had a plan, even if it was risky.
Rynne stirred on the other side of the room, sitting up with a yawn. "You're really going through with this, aren't you?"
Kael nodded, slipping the map into his jacket. "If I wait, things will only get worse."
Rynne rubbed her eyes and stood, crossing her arms. "Then you're not going alone."
Kael blinked. "What?"
"You heard me," Rynne said firmly. "I'm coming with you. Someone has to keep you from doing something stupid."
"Rynne, no," Kael said, shaking his head. "It's too dangerous—"
"Dangerous?" she interrupted, her voice rising. "We live in Ravik, Kael. Every day here is dangerous. You think I'm going to just sit here and wait for the Echoes to tear through this place again? Forget it. I'm coming."
Kael stared at her, his resolve wavering. He knew Rynne was stubborn, but he didn't want to drag her into this. Still, he also knew he couldn't stop her if she was determined.
"Fine," he said reluctantly. "But you have to do exactly as I say."
Rynne smirked. "We'll see about that."
---
By midday, they reached the edge of Ravik. The outer wall loomed above them, a jagged, crumbling barrier that barely held back the wilderness beyond. Beyond it lay the barracks of Valtros—and their first real obstacle.
Kael studied the map again, tracing their path through the drainage tunnel. "If this is accurate, the entrance should be just past the main gate. We'll need to move fast to avoid the patrols."
Rynne peered over his shoulder. "What happens if we get caught?"
Kael hesitated. "We don't."
Rynne rolled her eyes. "Great plan."
---
The drainage tunnel was overgrown and smelled worse than the sewers, but it was their best chance of getting inside undetected. Kael led the way, crouching low as they navigated the narrow passage.
They emerged in a small courtyard, the sound of marching boots echoing nearby. Kael motioned for Rynne to stay low as they crept toward a stack of crates for cover.
"Now what?" Rynne whispered.
Kael scanned the area, his heart pounding. The barracks were heavily guarded, and the risk of being caught was high. But they had no choice.
"There," he said, pointing to a door on the far side of the courtyard. "That leads to the armory. If we can get inside, we might find something useful."
Rynne nodded, and they moved quickly, darting from one hiding spot to the next.
---
The armory was dark and quiet, the air heavy with the scent of metal and oil. Weapons lined the walls, and crates of supplies were stacked high.
Kael's eyes lit up as he spotted a Vanguard uniform hanging near the back. "This could work," he said, pulling it down.
Rynne raised an eyebrow. "You're going to disguise yourself as a soldier?"
"Do you have a better idea?" Kael asked, slipping into the uniform.
Rynne sighed. "Just try not to look like you're about to steal something."
---
Their plan was going smoothly—until it wasn't.
As they exited the armory, a group of soldiers rounded the corner, their voices loud and boisterous. Kael froze, his heart racing.
"You there!" one of the soldiers barked, his gaze narrowing as he spotted Kael. "What are you doing out of formation?"
Kael swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay calm. "Just retrieving supplies for the commander," he said, his voice steady.
The soldier frowned, stepping closer. "The commander didn't order any supplies."
Rynne tensed beside him, her hand inching toward the dagger at her side.
"Must've been a miscommunication," Kael said, trying to sound casual. "I'll head back now."
The soldier stared at him for a long moment, then grunted. "Fine. Just make it quick."
Kael nodded, his pulse hammering as he and Rynne slipped away.
---
They made it back to the drainage tunnel without further incident, but Kael's nerves were frayed.
"That was too close," Rynne said, her voice shaking.
Kael nodded, his jaw tight. "We'll have to be more careful from here on out."
As they emerged into the wilderness beyond Valtros, the towering walls of Solvia loomed in the distance.
"We're really doing this," Rynne said, her voice a mix of awe and fear.
"Yeah," Kael said quietly. "We are."
But as they set out toward the inner wall, neither of them noticed the shadowy figure watching them from the trees.
---
In Solvia, the figure in the throne room watched the scene unfold in the shimmering orb.
"They've made it past the first barrier," the shadowy figure said.
The figure on the throne smiled. "Good. Let them come. The closer they get, the more entangled they become in the threads of our design."
"And if they discover the truth?"
The smile widened. "They won't live long enough to understand it."