The bunker had become an unspoken headquarters. Weapons gleamed faintly in the dim light, ammunition organized into neat piles. The air felt heavy—alive with the sense that something was shifting. Zara stood at the far end of the room, unfurling the map across a rusted table as Liv and Davis leaned in.
"This," Zara began, tapping a red circle etched into the map, "is the supply depot. The King's men use it to store weapons, rations, and fuel. If we hit it, we cripple his resources and buy ourselves time."
Davis shifted uneasily. "It'll be crawling with his enforcers."
"Exactly," Zara replied. "They won't expect amateurs like you to strike first." Her gaze hardened. "That's why we won't be amateurs anymore."
The room fell silent. The group understood what Zara was offering them: a sliver of hope in a world that had taught them to expect nothing but death.
The morning air was cold as steel. Zara crouched behind a crumbling wall, her breathing steady despite the tension swirling through her veins. Liv, Davis, and two others—Riley and Cam—were crouched nearby, their faces pale but determined. Each carried a weapon Zara had given them.
"Remember the plan," she whispered. "We create chaos, move quickly, and get out. No unnecessary risks."
Liv nodded, clutching her rifle with white knuckles. "We're ready."
Zara's eyes scanned the depot in the clearing below. A towering structure, guarded by four men patrolling the perimeter. Further in, trucks loaded with supplies sat in wait. If they pulled this off, the King would feel it.
"On my mark." Zara's voice was calm. She motioned to Davis and Cam, who crept to the far right of the depot. Riley took position on the left. Liv stayed with her—silent and focused.
Zara exhaled slowly. "Now."
The first shot rang out, shattering the stillness. One guard collapsed as Davis fired from his position. Zara sprang into motion, vaulting over the wall and sprinting toward the depot. A second guard shouted, raising his weapon—too late. Zara's knife found its mark.
Chaos erupted. Riley fired suppressing shots while Davis and Cam flanked the remaining guards. Zara pushed forward, reaching the first truck. She tossed a grenade inside and turned, yanking Liv behind cover as the blast rocked the clearing. Flames erupted, smoke billowing into the sky.
"Take what you can carry!" Zara ordered. Liv and the others scrambled to grab weapons and supplies, loading their packs.
Through the smoke, Zara spotted reinforcements pouring from the forest's edge—enforcers with their grotesque masks and brutal efficiency.
"Time's up!" Zara shouted. "Fall back!"
Liv hesitated for half a second, staring at the burning trucks. Zara grabbed her arm. "We're not dying here!"
They ran, bullets snapping at their heels as the depot disappeared behind them in a cloud of smoke and fire. By the time they reached the tree line, Zara allowed herself a glance back. The depot was destroyed.
And the King would be furious.