The World Cannot Know

Chapter 50

Prince Sebastian

As the group gathered just outside the imposing walls of the Valorian castle, the air was thick with anticipation. The moon cast an eerie glow over the assembled soldiers, their armor muted in the darkness. General Hector stood at the front, his gaze fixed on the castle, while the rest of us clustered together, going over the plan one final time.

Clive, with a grim seriousness, leaned in closer. "Once those gates are open, it's going to get bloody fast. You sure you're ready for this, Prince?" His voice was low, almost a growl, as he looked me dead in the eye.

I nodded, my expression resolute. "I've never been more ready. We get in, find Matthew, and get out. Nothing else matters."

"Remember," General Hector interjected, his tone commanding, "this is a coordinated attack. The Valorians won't know what hit them if we execute this right. But if anyone breaks formation or loses focus, it could all fall apart. Stick to the plan, and don't engage unless absolutely necessary."

Arney, crouched near the front, glanced back at us, his face a mask of determination. "I'll get those gates open before they even know I'm there. But once we're inside, it's on all of us to move fast. We're deep in enemy territory."

Alice stepped up beside me, her hand briefly brushing my arm as if to offer reassurance. "Sebastian, just... be careful, alright? We can't lose you too."

I managed a faint smile, despite the tension gnawing at my insides. "I'll be fine. We're getting Matthew out of there, no matter what."

Marcus, ever the steady presence, placed a hand on my shoulder. "You lead, I'll follow. We've been through worse, and we've always come out on top. This won't be any different."

Throne, standing a bit apart with his men, cracked his knuckles and shot me a grin. "Let's show these Valorians what happens when they mess with us. No one takes our people without paying for it."

Clive shot him a warning look. "Keep your head on straight, Throne. We're not just here for a brawl. We've got a mission, and the prince is leading it."

"I know, I know," Throne muttered, a bit chastened. "Just saying, they'll regret the day they crossed us."

Arney straightened, his expression hardening as he prepared to make his move. "Alright, I'm heading in. Give me a few minutes, and those gates will be yours."

I gave him a nod, my voice firm. "Good luck, Arney."

"Luck's got nothing to do with it," he replied, a wry smile on his lips before he melted into the shadows.

The group fell silent, the tension building as we waited for Arney to do his work. Each second felt like an eternity, the sounds of the night amplified in the stillness. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm, to focus on what needed to be done.

After what felt like an age, a faint creaking noise reached our ears—the sound of the heavy iron gates beginning to open.

"That's our cue," General Hector whispered, drawing his sword. "Move in, and stay sharp."

Clive nodded at me, his expression intense. "Ready, Prince?"

"Let's do this," I replied, steeling myself for what was to come.

With a final glance at each other, we moved as one toward the now-open gates, slipping into the castle grounds under the cover of darkness. The battle for Matthew—and for so much more—was about to begin.

...

We moved quickly, splitting into groups to cover more ground. Clive and General Hector led there men toward the barracks, ready to engage the Valorian soldiers head-on, while Marcus and I slipped into the castle, our goal clear: find Matthew and get him out.