The tension was palpable, thicker than the smoke that curled through the shattered streets. Joren's unexpected arrival sent shockwaves through the rebels' ranks, a question mark hanging heavy in the air.
Kaela's gaze locked on him, searching for any sign of truth behind those guarded eyes. "Why didn't you tell us? Why come now?"
Joren's voice was low, almost haunted. "Because I didn't want to put you in danger. But things have changed… the Ashen are only the surface. There's a traitor among us."
Murmurs rippled through the group, eyes darting nervously, suspicion blooming like wildfire.
Ava stepped beside Kaela, her jaw tight. "How do we know we can trust you?"
Joren's expression flickered, vulnerability flashing for a split second. "You don't. But if we don't act fast, everything we've fought for will crumble."
Kaela swallowed hard, her mind racing through the possibilities. Trust was a fragile thing — and betrayal was a knife that always found its mark.
The night stretched on, heavy with whispered fears and broken alliances. Somewhere in the darkness, the enemy was watching — waiting to strike.
And Kaela knew one thing for certain: the war had become far more personal.