Crown of Thorns and Roses

The air was thick with tension as Elena led the growing band of survivors deeper into the forest. What had once been a loose collection of frightened people was beginning to take shape—a force with purpose, albeit fragile and untested.

Cassian moved beside her, silent as always, his silver eyes scanning the forest for signs of movement. They had traveled for two days without incident, but Elena knew better than to let her guard down. Lucian's forces were out there. Watching. Waiting.

"How much farther until we reach the river crossing?" Elena asked, breaking the silence.

"Not far," Cassian replied. "The river cuts through the valley ahead. There's a bridge there. We'll need to be careful—Lucian's patrols guard it."

Elena nodded, her fingers brushing the hilt of her dagger. "We'll cross quickly, then. We can't afford to lose time."

Cassian didn't respond, but his expression darkened. She could tell he didn't like it.

By late afternoon, the sound of rushing water reached them, faint but growing louder with each step. The forest thinned as they approached the river, and soon the narrow bridge came into view. It was old and weathered, its stone edges slick with moss, but it held steady against the current below.

Elena raised a hand, signaling the group to stop. Cassian moved ahead to scout, disappearing into the shadows like smoke. The others waited silently, their faces pale but determined.

Elena turned to Maren, who stood close by, a bow slung across her back. "We'll go in groups of three. Keep low and move quickly."

Maren nodded, her jaw tight. "What if we're seen?"

"Then we fight," Elena said quietly.

Before Maren could respond, Cassian reappeared at the edge of the trees. His face was grim.

"There are guards," he said, low enough for only Elena to hear. "Five of them. Lightly armed, but alert."

"Can we get past them?" Elena asked.

Cassian shook his head. "Not without being seen. They're watching the bridge. We'll have to take them out."

Elena swallowed hard, her chest tightening. Killing soldiers in the heat of an ambush was one thing, but this—striking first, knowing they wouldn't see it coming—it felt different.

Cassian must have seen the hesitation in her face. "It's them or us, Elena. If they see us, they'll send word to Lucian, and everything we've built will burn."

Elena closed her eyes for a moment, steadying herself. "Fine," she said softly. "We do this quickly and quietly. No mistakes."

The forest was silent as Cassian and Elena moved into position. The soldiers on the bridge were relaxed, their weapons resting at their sides as they muttered to each other.

Elena's heart hammered in her chest as she crouched behind a fallen log, her dagger ready in her hand. Cassian was just ahead of her, his movements fluid and soundless as he crept closer to one of the guards.

Elena watched as Cassian struck first. He rose like a shadow, his blade flashing as he dragged the nearest soldier into the underbrush. The man's cry was muffled, the sound swallowed by the wind and rushing water.

Elena forced herself to move. She slipped toward a second soldier, her breath shallow. He stood near the edge of the bridge, his back to her.

You can do this, she told herself.

Before she could lose her nerve, she lunged forward, wrapping an arm around his neck and driving her dagger into his side. The soldier jerked, a strangled gasp escaping his lips, before he collapsed at her feet.

Elena staggered back, her hands slick with blood, her chest heaving.

"Stay focused," Cassian hissed, appearing beside her. "We're not done yet."

Three guards remained. The others had heard something—one was already moving toward the forest, his sword drawn. Cassian cursed under his breath.

"We've lost the element of surprise," he said. "We need to finish this now."

Elena didn't hesitate. She grabbed a fallen sword from the ground and charged toward the nearest guard, her movements clumsy but determined. The man turned, his eyes widening in shock as Elena's blade met his.

He was stronger—his blows heavier—but Elena was faster. She ducked beneath his swing, gritting her teeth as she slashed at his leg. He roared in pain, stumbling. Before he could recover, Elena struck again, her blade finding its mark.

The guard fell, silent.

"Elena!" Cassian shouted.

She spun just in time to see the final soldier charging toward her. Before she could react, an arrow whistled through the air, striking the man in the chest. He collapsed in a heap.

Elena turned to see Maren standing at the edge of the clearing, her bow still raised. The young woman lowered the weapon, her expression set and unreadable.

"You're welcome," Maren said.

Elena managed a shaky nod. "Thank you."

By the time the last body was dragged into the underbrush, the bridge was clear. Elena wiped her bloodied hands on her cloak, her heart still pounding in her chest.

Cassian approached, his face unreadable. "You hesitated back there."

Elena looked up sharply. "I didn't—"

"You did," Cassian said evenly. "You can't afford to hesitate, Elena. Not out here."

"I know," she snapped. "I did what needed to be done."

Cassian studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Good. Because this is just the beginning."

Elena turned away, her gaze fixed on the bridge. Beyond it lay more villages, more survivors. More battles.

She took a deep breath and stepped onto the bridge, the stone cold beneath her boots. The river rushed beneath her, a constant, relentless force.

Like us, she thought. Relentless.

Her people followed her, one by one, their faces hard with determination. They were no longer just survivors. They were soldiers now—ragged, untrained, but soldiers all the same.

And Elena was their leader.

That night, they camped on the far side of the river, hidden beneath the cover of trees. Elena sat by the fire, sharpening the stolen sword she now carried. Cassian joined her, silent for a moment before he spoke.

"You did well today."

Elena didn't look up. "It didn't feel like it."

"It never does," Cassian said quietly. "But you kept them alive. That's what matters."

Elena paused, the blade still in her hands. "How long until Lucian realizes what we're doing?"

"Not long," Cassian admitted. "But by then, we'll be ready."

Elena nodded, her grip tightening on the sword. The emptiness inside her was still there, but it was quieter now, tempered by purpose.

"We'll keep moving," she said softly. "We'll find the others. And when Lucian comes for us, we'll be ready."

Cassian's silver eyes gleamed in the firelight. "Then let him come."

Elena looked at him, a flicker of determination sparking in her gaze.

Let him come, she thought.

And this time, she would be ready to face him.