Chapter: Flames Beneath the Skin
The shriek of the siren ripped through the camp like a blade through flesh—jarring, sudden, and loud enough to split the night in two.
Garrik ran full tilt, boots pounding the hardened dirt, breath caught between gasps and curses. Around him, guards spilled out from tents, half-armed and wild-eyed, weapons clutched in sweaty hands.
He skidded to a stop at the gate and grabbed the nearest guard by the collar.
"You—speak. What the hell's going on? Why the alarm?"
The young man nearly dropped his spear. "S-Sir! There's fire! In the forest—just beyond the ridge, near Lieutenant Kadran's tent."
Garrik's blood ran cold. "A fire?"
"We think it's a diversion. The enemy might be nearby."
For a moment, Garrik just stared, his pulse thundering in his ears. Then he shoved the guard away. "Get back to your post. Keep your eyes sharp."
