The cold night wrapped around the camp like an ominous warning. Arianne could feel the weight of their plan pressing down on her shoulders. If they failed, if Sir Edric saw through their deception, there would be no second chances.
Kael worked tirelessly, his fingers smudged with ink as he forged the documents they needed. Every stroke of his quill was precise, mimicking the royal seals and official markings with practiced ease. Rian stood watch, his eyes flickering toward the main tent where Edric resided, ensuring no unexpected interruptions.
"How much longer?" Arianne whispered, her breath visible in the chill night air.
Kael didn't look up. "A few more minutes. It has to be perfect."
Arianne nodded, casting a glance toward Rian. "Are we sure this will work?"
Rian's gaze was unreadable. "It has to. We don't have another option."
A Carefully Placed Trail
By dawn, the forged documents were ready. Kael had outdone himself, crafting a backstory of a noble's son who had fled disgrace and joined the army under a false identity. The details were vague enough to mislead but convincing enough to satisfy Edric's investigation.
The next step was the most dangerous—planting the evidence where Edric would find it.
Arianne and Kael took careful steps, slipping into Edric's tent under the cover of early morning shadows. The camp was still, save for the occasional guard making rounds. They worked quickly, placing the documents in a hidden compartment within Edric's belongings.
Kael gave her a tight nod before they both slipped away unnoticed.
Now, all they could do was wait.
The Tension Breaks
Later that afternoon, Edric called for an assembly. The tension in the camp was suffocating as the soldiers gathered, murmuring amongst themselves. Arianne kept her face calm, though her pulse raced.
"I have conducted my inspection," Edric announced, his voice carrying across the training grounds. "And I have found something rather interesting."
Arianne's stomach twisted.
Edric lifted the forged document. "It seems a nobleman's son has been hiding in plain sight. While this is not what I originally came to investigate, it is still a matter that must be dealt with."
Arianne exhaled silently. The bait had been taken.
Rian stepped forward. "What do you propose, Sir Edric?"
Edric smirked slightly. "I will bring this information back to the king. He will decide how to proceed. Until then, I expect absolute cooperation from every recruit."
Kael glanced at Arianne. They had done it—for now.
A Moment of Relief
That night, Arianne found herself alone by the river at the edge of camp. The cool water shimmered under the moonlight as she let out a slow breath.
She didn't hear Rian approach until he was beside her.
"It worked," he said softly.
She nodded. "For now."
He studied her, his gaze lingering. "You were willing to risk everything for this."
She turned to him. "We had no choice."
Rian reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You carry too much on your shoulders, Arianne."
She felt her heart tighten. "And so do you."
He gave a soft chuckle. "Perhaps. But you don't have to bear this alone."
The silence between them stretched, filled with unspoken words and quiet understanding. The danger hadn't passed completely, but for tonight, at least, they could breathe.
And as Arianne stood there, feeling the warmth of Rian's presence beside her, she realized just how much she had come to trust him. Perhaps, even more than that.
She wasn't ready to say it yet. But one day, she would.