A Plan

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(3rd person P.O.V.)

The once-hidden Fae camp had transformed into a secret war camp within just two months, its atmosphere now buzzing with the focused energy of warriors preparing for the battles ahead. The dense forest that surrounded the camp provided a natural cover, concealing the growing army within. The air was filled with the sound of clashing steel, the grunts of exertion, and the occasional barked orders from the commanders.

At the heart of the camp, Taryn and Archer led a group of warriors through an intense training session. Taryn moved with quiet confidence, her eyes sharp as she corrected a young Fae's stance. "Keep your knees bent, Seris. You need to stay light on your feet—ready to move at any moment."

Archer, his gaze equally focused, demonstrated a series of rapid strikes with his sword. "Speed is key. Your enemy won't give you time to think, so you need to react on instinct. Trust your training."

The warriors, a mix of seasoned fighters and newer recruits, absorbed the lessons with a grim determination. The weight of their mission hung over them, but so did the hope that they were preparing for something greater than just survival. They were preparing to reclaim their freedom.

As Taryn and Archer continued to train the warriors, Alex stood on a nearby rise, observing the camp below. The transformation over the past month was remarkable. What had once been a scattered group of rebels was now a disciplined, coordinated force. Tents were arranged in neat rows, supply caches were well-stocked, and sentries kept a constant watch on the camp's perimeter.

Roan approached Alex, his footsteps quiet on the soft earth. "The camp's coming along well. In just two months, it's gone from a hidden refuge to a war camp—though still a secret one."

Alex nodded, her gaze distant as she watched the warriors sparring below. "It has to remain a secret, at least for now. Let my aunt and uncle believe there are barely any Fae left. Let them think they've already won." Her voice was calm, but there was a cold edge to it.

Roan studied her for a moment before speaking. "You're taking a big risk, Alli. If they find out about the camp before we're ready..."

"They won't," Alex interrupted, turning to face him. "I won't let them. Every day we stay hidden, we grow stronger. Every day they remain unaware, they grow weaker. When the time comes, we'll strike, and they won't know what hit them." Her eyes blazed with determination, the fire within her driving her forward.

Roan nodded slowly, seeing the steel in her gaze. "And after we strike? After we've defeated them?"

Alex's expression softened, though her resolve didn't waver. "We'll restore the kingdom to peace. With the help of the Fae, we'll rebuild what was destroyed. My aunt and uncle took everything from us—our lands, our freedom, our peace. But we'll take it all back. And when we do, I'll claim the throne. Not as a conqueror, but as a ruler who can live in harmony with the Fae, as we were always meant to."

Roan's gaze was unwavering as he nodded. "And the Fae will stand with you. You've earned their respect, Alli. They see you as more than just a human—they see you as a leader."

A small smile played on Alex's lips, though her eyes remained focused. "Then we'll see this through. Together."

Meanwhile, down in the training area, Taryn had called for a break. The warriors dispersed, some heading to the water barrels, others to catch their breath. Taryn wiped the sweat from her brow, her gaze drifting up to where Alex stood. Despite the exhaustion of training, there was a sense of pride in her eyes as she watched her friend.

Archer, noticing her gaze, stepped up beside her. "She's really taken to this, hasn't she?"

Taryn nodded, her voice quiet. "She's always had it in her. I just never realized how much. She's not just playing the part of a princess anymore—she's becoming the ruler she was born to be."

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