The cold mountain air clung to Selene's skin as she crouched behind an outcrop of jagged stone, staring down at Saren's fortress.
The stronghold loomed in the valley below, a dark monolith of stone and iron. Torches lined the outer walls, casting flickering shadows against the high ramparts. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, their armor gleaming beneath the moonlight.
Selene exhaled slowly.
They had made it in time—before Saren could prepare.
Now, they had to strike.
Cassius knelt beside her, his sharp eyes scanning the fortress. "So, how do we get in?"
Orion pulled a tattered map from his satchel, spreading it over the rocky ground. "There's an old drainage tunnel beneath the east wall. If it's still intact, we can use it."
Riven, lounging against a boulder, smirked. "That's a lot of ifs."
Selene ignored them, tracing a path on the map with her finger. "If the tunnel is blocked, we'll have to go over the wall. The eastern side is less guarded."
Cassius raised an eyebrow. "Less guarded doesn't mean unguarded."
"Which is why we move quickly."
Orion nodded. "Once we're inside, we find Saren and end this."
Selene met his gaze. No mistakes. No hesitation.
She turned to the others. "Let's move."
They made their way down the rocky slope, their movements silent as ghosts. The wind howled through the valley, masking the sound of their footsteps.
Selene kept her breath steady, her muscles tense. The closer they got to the fortress, the heavier the air felt. A storm was coming.
When they reached the fortress walls, Riven slipped ahead, vanishing into the darkness. Minutes later, they returned, brushing dirt from their gloves.
"The tunnel's clear," they whispered. "But there's a catch."
Selene's stomach tightened. "What kind of catch?"
Riven's grin was sharp. "It's crawling with rats."
Cassius groaned. "Of course it is."
Orion didn't hesitate. "Better rats than guards."
Selene nodded. "Let's go."
The tunnel was narrow and damp, the air thick with the stench of mold and decay. Selene moved cautiously, her boots barely making a sound against the wet stone.
Water dripped from the ceiling, the sound echoing off the slimy walls. The deeper they went, the darker it became.
The skittering of claws made Cassius mutter under his breath. "I swear, if one more rat—"
A high-pitched squeak cut him off as a rat scurried across his boot. Cassius nearly kicked it away but stopped at Selene's sharp glance.
"Focus," she whispered.
The tunnel sloped upward, leading toward the heart of the fortress.
Then—voices.
Selene froze, motioning for the others to stay quiet.
Up ahead, a faint glow illuminated the tunnel. Two guards stood at a rusted gate, weapons resting at their sides.
Selene exchanged a glance with Riven.
No words were needed.
Riven moved first, slipping into the shadows. A second later, the first guard let out a strangled gasp, collapsing to the ground.
The second guard barely had time to react before Orion's dagger found his throat.
Silence.
Selene stepped over the bodies, gripping the iron bars of the gate. With a quiet grunt, she pushed it open.
The fortress lay ahead.
And somewhere inside, Saren was waiting.
The air inside the fortress was thick with smoke and the metallic scent of blood. The walls were lined with ancient tapestries, their once-vibrant colors dulled by dust and time.
Selene's boots barely made a sound as she moved through the dimly lit corridors. Cassius followed close behind, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. Orion and Riven took the rear, watching for any sign of movement.
A torch flickered ahead, casting shadows against the stone walls.
Selene stopped, motioning for the others to do the same. Voices drifted toward them from an adjoining hallway.
"—said he would be here by dawn."
A second voice, gruff and impatient. "If he isn't, the High Lord will want an explanation."
Selene's heart pounded. Saren wasn't alone.
Orion leaned in, whispering, "We need to move now."
Selene nodded.
They slipped past the open hallway, pressing against the cold stone as the guards continued their conversation.
The further they went, the quieter the fortress became.
Then, at last—they reached it.
The war room.
A massive iron door loomed before them, its surface etched with intricate carvings of battle and bloodshed. The emblem of the Order gleamed in the center, a cruel reminder of the man who ruled within.
Selene clenched her jaw.
This was it.
She turned to Cassius and Orion. "Are you ready?"
Cassius smirked. "I was born ready."
Orion nodded, his grip tightening on his blade.
Selene glanced at Riven. "Stay outside. If things go wrong—"
"They won't," Riven cut in, flashing a sharp smile.
Selene inhaled deeply.
Then she pushed open the door.
Saren stood at the far end of the room, his back to them.
He was dressed in black, his long coat flowing like shadowed silk. A dagger rested on the table before him, its blade reflecting the dim candlelight.
"I was wondering when you would arrive," he said, his voice smooth as glass.
Selene stepped forward, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her sword.
"No guards?" she asked.
Saren chuckled. "I don't need them."
Orion growled. "You're outnumbered."
Saren turned slowly, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Am I?"
Selene's stomach twisted.
Something was wrong.
A faint rustle—behind them.
Before she could react, the door slammed shut.
Then—footsteps.
Dozens of them.
Cassius cursed. "Trap."
Saren smiled. "Welcome to my home, little wolves."
The fight had begun.