Chapter 51: Attack on CrestviewThe central lounge of the capital palace was filled with the rich, heavy scent of imported wine and sweet cigar smoke. Sunlight filtered through tall glass windows, painting the polished marble floor in shades of deep red and gold.Viktor Cross sat back on a luxurious leather couch, and he held a silver goblet loosely in his large hand. Beside him sat Natasha Monroe, wearing a beautiful velvet dress the color of spilled wine. She leaned against his shoulder, sipping her drink with a cold, satisfied smile.For days, they had enjoyed the quiet peace of their supposed victory. The capital news outlets were completely under their control, broadcasting endless stories about the collapse of the mountain fortress and the death of the rebel commander, Draven Mercer."The council approved the new trade taxes this morning," Natasha murmured smoothly, her fingers lightly tapping against Viktor’s arm. "With my stepfather’s shipping ports secured and the south quie

Chapter 53: The Marsh AmbushThe river channel was narrow, flanked by tall grass and muddy banks. Thick fog covered the water, keeping the morning light dim and gray.Two wooden barges moved slowly through the water. They carried grain, medicine, and meat for the starving people of Crestview.Draven Mercer stood at the front of the first barge. A plain wool coat covered his chest, hiding the bandages around his ribs. His eyes moved constantly, watching the thick brush along the shore.Marcus stood beside him, holding a wooden pole, and pushing drifting logs away from the boat."The water gets shallow past this bend, Commander," Marcus said quietly. "If we slow down, we are easy targets.""Keep moving," Draven said. "We need to pass this area before sunrise. The town cannot wait."Behind them, Brutus handled the steering oar on the second barge. Ten soldiers sat behind supply crates on each boat, holding their rifles ready.The barges turned around a sharp bend in the river. Steep dirt

Chapter 55: The Dawn UltimatumThe news of the destroyed river ambush reached the capital palace before noon.Inside the lounge, Viktor Cross stood near the grand fireplace. He held an official report in his hands, his knuckles turning white as he read the words again and again.The Red Viper squad was broken. The river blockade had failed. Tonnes of grain, medicine, and meat had entered Crestview right under the noses of his officers."How?" Viktor roared, throwing the paper into the burning logs. "How does a wounded man defeat thirty trained mercenaries in a muddy swamp?!"Natasha Monroe sat at the long table, her face sharp and pale. She tapped her manicured fingers against the surface, her mind racing."Mercer did not fight alone," Natasha said coldly. "He must know those southern riverways better than our commanders do.""I don't care about his knowledge!" Viktor shouted, slamming his fist on the table. "The people in Crestview are celebrating! They are singing his name in the lo

Chapter 57: Beneath the GallowsDraven moved through the dark space with slow, careful steps. He held his small lantern low, casting a dim circle of light on the wet stone floor. The arched ceiling was low, forcing him to keep his head down. Behind him, Marcus walked quietly, carrying the rope and the iron crowbar. The only sound in the narrow space was the steady drip of cold water falling from the ceiling."We are directly beneath the square now," Marcus whispered.Draven stopped, raising his lantern slightly. Ahead of them, the tunnel ended at an iron ladder set into the wall. Above the top rung was the iron gate.Draven climbed the iron rungs, moving as silently as a ghost. He pressed his face near the cold metal grate and looked up.Through the narrow slots, he could see the dark outline of the central plaza. The morning sky was still black, but a faint gray line showed on the horizon. Dawn was less than twenty minutes away.Ten wooden posts stood in a neat row directly above th

Chapter 59: Haven Estate.Draven stood near the window of the ground floor library. He held a silent gun and a long combat knife sat in his belt sheath.Alessia stepped quietly into the room and she held a small iron key in her hand."Julie is asleep in the safe room," Alessia whispered. "The door is locked."Draven did not turn his head away from the window. "Good. Stay with her if the fighting gets more intense and reaches that area""I am not leaving your side until all this is over," Alessia replied softly, stepping closer to his shoulder. "Marcus said the guards outside has seen nothing yet.""This Iron Hounds mercenaries won't use the road," Draven replied. "They'll most likely cross the river on foot and crawl through the grass. They are close already. I can feel it."As if in answer to his words, a faint sound echoed from somewhere around in the darkness. Draven narrowed his gray eyes. He pulled a small whistle from his pocket and blew into it softly. The whistle made no loud