Ashes: Book 1 of the Shadows Series - By Tristan Carver

Fault Lines

The camp felt different when Daylen and Kael returned. There was an unmistakable tension that clung to the air, thick like smoke. Conversations died when they approached, eyes following them with uncertainty, with doubt. It wasn't just about the failed mission or the whispers of a mole—it was the undercurrent of change, something unspoken yet palpable.

The rebels had endured so much, but they were fraying at the edges. And Daylen could feel the pressure of holding them together.

"Daylen, over here." Mara's voice called him from the far side of the camp. She was standing near the large tent that served as the planning center, her face lined with exhaustion. The others were already gathered: Kael, Jax, and the rest of the rebel leaders.

Daylen made his way over, Kael by his side. As they approached, he caught the tense stances of the group, their eyes flickering between him, Kael, and Jax. The strained dynamic was no longer beneath the surface—it was starting to crack.

"We need to talk," Mara said without preamble as soon as they were close. "The convoy mission."

Jax folded his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Yeah, let's talk about it. That could have gone better, don't you think?"

Kael's eyes narrowed at the sarcasm, but Daylen stepped in before tempers could flare. "We underestimated the enemy. It was a trap."

"Underestimated?" Jax scoffed, throwing his hands up. "We were sitting ducks. It's no wonder they're always one step ahead."

Daylen felt his jaw tighten. Jax's insinuation was clear—there was still talk of a mole within their ranks. He had no proof, but doubt had taken root in the rebellion, and Jax was fanning the flames.

Mara cut through the tension, her tone sharp. "We can't afford to let this divide us. We have to regroup and figure out the next move."

Jax shook his head, pacing the small space. "Regroup? How many times are we going to regroup before we realize we're losing? We need to hit them harder. Stop waiting for them to come to us. We need to go on the offensive."

"That's reckless," Kael said, his voice steady but firm. "We don't have the numbers to survive an all-out attack. You're risking too much."

"Risk is what it takes to win," Jax shot back. "Or are you too afraid to take the fight to them?"

The jab was personal, and Daylen saw Kael's fists clench at his sides, but again, he stepped in. "No one's afraid, Jax. We're trying to make sure we don't get more people killed."

Jax's eyes flicked toward Daylen, sizing him up. "You talk like a leader, Daylen, but you're holding us back. Maybe we need someone who isn't afraid to make the hard decisions."

The implication hung heavy in the air. Daylen met Jax's gaze, feeling the weight of his words. The camp was already divided, and Jax was clearly positioning himself to take more control. But Daylen knew that going along with Jax's aggressive approach would only lead to more bloodshed.

Mara broke the tension. "Enough. We'll discuss this further tonight. For now, everyone needs to prepare for what's coming."

Jax threw a final glare in Daylen's direction before stalking off, leaving the group in uneasy silence. Daylen let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He turned to Kael, who stood beside him, his expression tight with barely concealed frustration.

"Let's go," Kael said quietly, placing a hand on Daylen's arm. The touch was brief, but it grounded him.

They walked together toward the outskirts of the camp, needing space from the growing unrest. Daylen could feel the weight of Kael's gaze on him as they walked in silence, the sounds of the camp fading into the background. When they reached a secluded spot near the edge of the trees, Kael finally spoke.