Page 170 of Stormvein

“Families with young children should go to Whiterock. It’s closer, and safer for them,” Sacha continues. “Anyone who can move quickly can make the longer journey to Lockgap.”

The children who play in these corridors, the elders who remember what Meridian was before the purges, the fighters who’ve bled to keep this place free. All of it could be lost because we’re choosing offense over defense.

Varam nods. “I’ll speak to Stonehaven’s leaders, then arrange to have a group ready to leave at sunset with you.”

“Good.” Sacha’s tone makes it clear the discussion is over.

Varam touches his fist to his chest, then moves toward the door, Mira beside him. Before he opens it, he stops and looks back. “This is a mistake.”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. But we have no other option.”

When the door closes behind Varam and Mira, I let out a slow breath.

“He doesn’t like the idea of not being there. Not after what happened at River Crossing.”

“I know. But Thornspire presents an opportunity we can’t ignore.”

“Yes, but?—”

“He’s more useful here.” He reaches out and takes my hand. “Are you having second thoughts? If you are, I understand. You can stay here and help Varam.”

“No, not about going.” I look up at him. “But about you facing Sereven again? Always.”

His thumb traces across my knuckles, a small gesture that somehow steadies the anxiety building inside me. “We’ll be careful.”

“How long will it take us to get there?”

“If we ride hard, we’ll reach Thornspire before dawn.”

I try to ignore the growing apprehension inside me. I can’t stop thinking about how much of a disaster Ashenvale was, and that was a city full of people, which made it easier to blend in. It’s also different from the desperate rescue at Glassfall Gap. This is walking directly into danger.

Sunset arrives too quickly, and I find myself following Sacha through Stonehaven’s passages toward the hidden entrance. The fortress is quieter than usual, as though it’s holding its breath, waiting to see what comes next.

The winding tunnels feel different tonight. Maybe it’s the knowledge that we might not return that makes every detail stand out more sharply. The glow of lightstones set into the walls, the cool air flowing from unseen vents, and the occasional sound of water trickling from somewhere.

Sacha walks ahead of me, his movements fluid and graceful. I find myself watching the way shadows seem to caress him as he passes, like old friends welcoming him home. Years imprisoned, and he still survived. Waited. Planned. The same mind that lived through decades of isolation now leads what remains of a resistance against an empire that would see him dead. After everything we’ve been through together, there’s still so much of him I don’t fully understand. Yet I’ve given him something I’ve never given anyone. My complete trust.

What does it say about me that I’d follow this man into danger, that I’d give up my life for him, without any hesitation? When did that happen?

Varam is waiting at the entrance with a group of six people.

“Six?” Sacha’s gaze scans the group.

“Four as requested, and two extra as messengers. We need someone to carry word back when you reach Thornspire.”

Sacha doesn’t argue. “Does everyone understand what we’re doing? We move in, locate Sereven, and if possible, eliminate him. No unnecessary engagement. Strike swift and withdraw.”

The idea of deliberately infiltrating an Authority outpost sends a cold shiver down my spine, but it’s our best chance to stop the attack on Stonehaven, and maybe get some answers.

“Questions?”

Silence greets his words. These are seasoned fighters who understand their duty.

Varam steps forward. His eyes meet Sacha’s. “See that you return.”

The simple request carries more meaning than any elaborate speech. Sacha gives him a single nod.

“Open the entrance.”