Chapter 4

The next day, the Safehouse buzzed with a tension that felt almost tangible. Word had spread quickly about the night’s mission and the information they’d uncovered. The regime knew about Alina. They weren’t just looking for an oracle; they were hunting her specifically. Alina stood near a small window, watching the light filter through dust-covered glass, her mind churning. She couldn’t shake the image of the document—the label “Subject 12” burned into her thoughts, a constant reminder that she was no longer invisible. Jarek approached her, his face set with determination. “We need to talk about what comes next.” She nodded, bracing herself. She had known from the moment she read that file that things would change. Hiding wasn’t an option anymore; she was a marked target, and every decision from now on could mean the difference between life and […]

Chapter 3

Alina barely slept that night. The low murmur of voices drifted through the Safehouse as its occupants moved in and out of shadows, exchanging fragments of information and secrets in tense whispers. She lay on a makeshift cot in a corner, eyes half-closed, trying to listen while keeping her own thoughts hidden. When she did drift off, her dreams were fragmented and strange, visions bleeding into one another. She saw fire, walls crumbling, people running… and at the center of it all, a figure whose face was always just out of reach, calling to her in a voice she couldn’t quite hear. She awoke before dawn, sitting up abruptly, her heart racing. She didn’t know if it was another vision or just a remnant of her fears, but either way, it left her feeling hollow. Her hands shook as she […]

Chapter 2

Alina kept to the shadows, her mind racing as she replayed the vision over and over. The man’s voice, cold and commanding, echoed in her thoughts, a warning that settled like a stone in her chest. Whoever he was, he held power—enough to mobilize entire districts and tear through the city in search of her. She knew she had to stay ahead of him, to find answers before he found her. The streets were quiet in the early hours, the sounds of the city muted by the oppressive weight of curfew. In the dim light, Alina moved quickly, blending into the narrow paths that wound through the underbelly of the city. Here, among the forgotten alleys and crumbling buildings, she felt safest, though safety was becoming a relative term. As she approached the outskirts of the district, she glanced up. […]

Chapter 20

In the aftermath of Bjorn the Black’s defeat, Astrid’s kingdom enjoyed a period of unprecedented peace. The northern territories, once vulnerable to raids and unrest, became loyal strongholds, their people grateful for Astrid’s protection and leadership. However, as her kingdom prospered, Astrid found herself grappling with a new challenge: the task of governance in a time of stability. Without the urgency of war or rebellion, the complexities of managing a vast and diverse realm took center stage. One morning, as she and her council gathered to discuss the kingdom’s future, a representative from the western territories stepped forward with a proposition. “My lady,” the representative began, bowing respectfully, “the people of the west wish to discuss trade and development. We have resources that could strengthen the kingdom’s infrastructure, but we need support to improve our roads and transport routes.” Astrid […]

Chapter 19

Months passed in relative peace, and Astrid’s kingdom continued to thrive. The network of alliances she had carefully nurtured with neighboring territories brought trade, security, and prosperity to her people. Yet, despite her success, Astrid knew that her position was never guaranteed. The memories of Gareth’s rebellion and the wary neutrality of King Roderic were constant reminders of the fragile balance she needed to maintain. One evening, as Astrid reviewed trade agreements with her council, a messenger arrived, his expression grave. “My lady,” he said, bowing deeply. “I bring news from the northern territories. Reports have come in of raids along the border towns. Villages have been pillaged, and it appears that these attacks are coordinated.” Astrid’s face hardened. The northern territories were rugged and remote, a natural barrier that had kept her kingdom relatively safe. But now, they had […]