Mirage

Darkness

The days following their alliance with the new group passed more smoothly than Ethan could have hoped. The added numbers and resources provided a much-needed boost to their morale. They spent their nights traveling north, guided by the moon and stars, while their days were filled with scouting the area for supplies, fuel, and firearms.

At first, Diana had reservations about traveling at night. "It's too dangerous," she had argued. "We can't see what's coming, and it's easier to walk into an ambush."

But over time, she saw the benefits. The cooler temperatures of the night made traveling less exhausting, and the cover of darkness offered a degree of safety from the watchful eyes of both government forces and rebel revolutionaries. Reluctantly, she agreed to the new plan.

Their progress was steady. The group fell into a rhythm, each person contributing to their collective survival. Ethan and Maya grew even closer, their bond strengthening with each passing day. Jacob, Lucas, Isabella, and Elen found moments of levity, their laughter a brief respite from the constant tension.

One night, as they traveled under the cloak of darkness, Ethan felt a rare sense of optimism. They were nearing Frostbury, and the thought of finally reaching their destination filled him with hope. The new group's leader, Greg, had proven to be a reliable ally, and together they had become a formidable team.

As they drove along a narrow road flanked by dense woods, Ethan couldn't shake a nagging feeling of unease. "Greg, how much further to Frostbury?" he asked, his eyes scanning the darkened trees.

"Not far now," Greg replied. "We'll be there by morning if we keep this pace."

Ethan nodded, but the unease persisted. He shared a glance with Maya, who sat beside him, her eyes reflecting the same concern. "Stay alert," he whispered, and she nodded in agreement.

Just before dawn, as they approached what seemed like an abandoned checkpoint, the vehicle suddenly came to a halt. Greg turned to Ethan. "We need to check for supplies. There might be fuel and ammunition stored here."

The group disembarked, weapons at the ready. Ethan, Maya, Diana, Jacob, Lucas, Isabella, Elen, and the rest of their companions spread out, scanning the area. The place was eerily quiet, the stillness unsettling.

"Something doesn't feel right," Diana muttered, her hand on her weapon.

Before anyone could respond, a series of blinding lights illuminated the area, and armed soldiers emerged from the woods, surrounding them. The insignia on their uniforms marked them as Frostbury's defense army.

"Drop your weapons!" a commanding voice ordered. "You are under arrest."

The group hesitated, confusion and fear etched on their faces. "Wait! We're just trying to get to Frostbury!" Ethan shouted.

"Now!" the voice commanded again, more forcefully this time.

Reluctantly, they obeyed, lowering their weapons to the ground. The soldiers moved in quickly, binding their hands and frisking them for additional weapons. Ethan's heart pounded in his chest as he exchanged a worried glance with Maya.

"We're not a threat," Maya pleaded. "We just need help."

The commanding officer, a stern-faced woman with cold eyes, stepped forward. "You'll explain everything once we reach the base. For now, you're coming with us."

The group was herded into military vehicles, their protests falling on deaf ears. As they were driven away from the checkpoint, Ethan's mind raced. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. They had come seeking refuge, not conflict.

After a tense and silent journey, they arrived at a fortified compound. The sight of the heavily armed soldiers and high walls only heightened Ethan's anxiety. They were led into a dimly lit building and separated into small groups for questioning.

Hours passed in a blur of confusion and fear. The interrogations were relentless, the questions invasive. Ethan could barely keep his eyes open, exhaustion and stress taking their toll. He answered as best as he could, but the soldiers seemed uninterested in their pleas for help.

Finally, they were all brought back together in a large, cold room. The commanding officer entered, her expression unreadable. "You say you're seeking refuge in Frostbury," she said, her tone skeptical. "But we have to ensure you're not a threat."

"We're not," Ethan insisted, his voice weak. "We've been through so much... we just need a safe place."

The officer studied them for a moment before nodding to her subordinates. "Prepare them for transport."

Before Ethan could process her words, he felt a sharp pain in his neck. He reached up to touch the spot and felt a small dart embedded in his skin. Around him, the others were experiencing the same thing, their expressions mirroring his confusion and alarm.

The world began to blur, the room spinning around him. He tried to reach for Maya, but his limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. Darkness crept in from the edges of his vision, and he could hear the muffled cries of his friends as they, too, succumbed to unconsciousness.

Ethan's last thought before everything went black was a desperate plea for safety and the haunting realization that betrayal could come from anywhere, even those who seemed like allies. The road to Frostbury had been filled with challenges, but this new twist was the most disheartening yet.

As the darkness claimed him, he couldn't help but wonder if they would ever find the peace and truth they so desperately sought.