×𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑-𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒×

Chapter 16: A Shattered Peace

The dawn in Aeloria was marked by a somber stillness. The usual hustle of the city was subdued, as if the very air held its breath in anticipation of what was to come. The Midnight Accord had been struck, and with it, the fragile peace that had barely held the city together was now hanging by a thread.

Lyra Maren stood on the balcony of her chambers, gazing out over the city as the first light of day crept over the horizon. Her thoughts were a tangled web of doubt and resolve, the weight of her decisions pressing heavily on her shoulders. The alliance with the Blackcloaks had been necessary, but it was a dangerous gamble. One that could either save them or lead them to ruin.

As she stood there, lost in thought, a soft knock on the door pulled her back to the present. She turned to see Elara entering the room, her expression grim.

"Good morning, Elara," Lyra greeted her, though the words felt hollow. "What news do you bring?"

Elara closed the door behind her and approached the balcony, her eyes scanning the horizon. "The Blackcloaks have sent word. They’ve begun their operations to disrupt Braden’s supply lines, just as we agreed. However, there’s been... an incident."

Lyra’s gaze sharpened. "What kind of incident?"

Elara hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "A group of Blackcloaks clashed with one of our patrols just outside the city walls. It seems there was a misunderstanding, but the result was bloodshed. Three of our soldiers were killed, and the rest were badly injured."

A cold knot of dread formed in Lyra’s stomach. "How could this happen? The Blackcloaks were supposed to avoid any contact with our forces."

Elara’s expression was unreadable. "The details are unclear. The survivors claim the Blackcloaks attacked without warning, but the Blackcloaks insist they were provoked. It’s possible Braden’s forces are trying to sow discord between us."

Lyra clenched her fists, her mind racing. This was exactly the kind of situation she had feared when she made the deal with the mercenaries. "What’s the mood in the city?"

"Unsettled," Elara replied. "The soldiers are on edge, and there are whispers of betrayal. Some are questioning whether the alliance with the Blackcloaks was a mistake."

Lyra nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "We can’t let this divide us. The city needs to see that we are united, that we will not be torn apart by fear and suspicion."

"What do you suggest we do?" Elara asked, her tone cautious.

"We need to address this head-on," Lyra said decisively. "I’ll meet with the Blackcloaks’ leader and our own commanders. We have to get to the bottom of this and ensure it doesn’t happen again. We can’t afford any more mistakes."

Elara nodded in agreement. "I’ll make the arrangements. But be careful, Lyra. The situation is volatile, and there are those who would use this incident to their advantage."

Lyra gave her a determined look. "I know. But we have to stay the course. The fate of Aeloria depends on it."

The meeting was held in the castle’s war room, a place that had seen more strategy sessions and heated debates than Lyra cared to remember. The room was dominated by a large table covered in maps and documents, with the banners of Aeloria hanging on the walls. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with anticipation and unease.

Lyra entered the room with Elara at her side, her expression calm and composed despite the turmoil within. She took her place at the head of the table, where Captain Roderic and the other military leaders were already seated, their faces a mix of anger and concern.