the last city

chapter 3: the night of the raid

As the rebels barricaded the warehouse, preparing for a brutal confrontation, Orion's body quivered. His regression intensified under the pressure, his whines and groans echoing through the warehouse. He had been kidnapped weeks earlier, torn away from his beloved Thorne, who was now fighting valiantly outside.

'W-wa-wa,' Orion cried, his pacifier slipping from his mouth as he gazed at the chaotic scene. The rebels moved with precision, led by Lyra's sharp intellect. Ember's fireballs illuminated the warehouse, while Thorne's sword plunged into the raiders' flesh.

Orion's tiny body trembled, his fear visible in his wide eyes. He had never experienced such chaos before. The raiders' voices grew louder, their screams filled with bloodlust. The walls shook with the impact of their relentless pounding.

'Daddy!' Orion wailed, clutching his baby bottle tightly. His cries were met with the deafening roar of the raiders smashing against the barricade. Lyra, her face etched with determination, glanced at Orion with concern.

'We'll keep you safe,' she promised, her voice reassuring amidst the chaos. Orion's whimpers subsided slightly as he felt Lyra's comforting presence.

Outside, the battle raged on. Thorne, his eyes burning with fury, fought with unmatched ferocity. He had never forgotten Orion, the innocent and helpless being he had vowed to protect. Every swing of his sword was fueled by his longing to reunite with his captive love.

As the raiders pressed their attack, Lyra devised a cunning strategy. She ordered the rebels to evacuate through a secret passage, taking Orion with them. With Ember's help, they created a diversion, allowing the escape to proceed unnoticed.

Orion was carried away in Lyra's arms, his whimpers fading into the darkness. Thorne, unaware of their escape, continued to fight, his heart heavy with the knowledge that his precious Orion was still in danger.

'Orion!' Thorne roared, his voice filled with anguish. But his cries were swallowed by the thunderous noise of battle. The raiders, their numbers dwindling, finally retreated into the night. The rebels, exhausted but victorious, emerged from their hiding place.

'Ori-whin-nin?' Thorne stammered, his voice trembling. Lyra approached him, a somber expression on her face.

'Orion escaped with us during the chaos,' she explained. 'He's safe.'

A wave of relief washed over Thorne as he embraced Lyra tightly. 'Thank you,' he whispered, his body still reeling from the battle. 'I thought I had lost him forever.'

Lyra smiled softly. 'You're welcome, Thorne. Orion is a survivor.'

And so, as the rebels celebrated their victory, Thorne's heart overflowed with a bittersweet mixture of joy and gratitude. Orion was safe, and their love would endure through any future challenges they might face.