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

Breaking Point

The camp was alive with tension as Daylen and Kael returned from their secluded moment. Whispers and glances followed them, the air thick with uncertainty. It was as if the camp had transformed overnight from a sanctuary into a pressure cooker, ready to blow. The divide between Jax's supporters and those loyal to Daylen was becoming more apparent, and small skirmishes broke out between factions that once stood united. Daylen's heart sank as he realized that the rebellion was on the brink of fracture.

"Daylen!" Mara called out, urgency lacing her voice. She was near the large tent, a gathering point for the leadership. Daylen and Kael made their way over, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken animosity. The sight of the gathering leaders only heightened Daylen's unease.

As they approached, Jax was the first to speak. "Well, look who decided to grace us with their presence," he sneered, arms crossed. "Thought you'd gone off to play house in the woods."

Kael's jaw tightened at the jab, but Daylen held up a hand, deflecting the attack. "We're here now. What's the situation?"

Mara's face was a mask of exhaustion. "We need to finalize plans for the convoy mission. It's crucial we get it right."

The tension crackled as Jax interjected. "We've been cautious long enough. We need to ambush the convoy. Hit them hard and fast before they realize what's happening. They won't see it coming."

Daylen shook his head, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "No, we can't just charge in blindly. We need to assess their numbers, their defenses. If we rush in without a solid plan, we'll lose everything."

"Everything we have is already on the line," Jax shot back, his voice rising. "We're losing this war while we sit here twiddling our thumbs. You're holding us back, Daylen."

The group fell silent, and Daylen could feel the pressure mounting. Jax's supporters exchanged glances, their allegiance already swaying. Kael stood at Daylen's side, a steady presence amidst the growing turmoil.

Mara attempted to mediate. "Let's focus. We need to work together, regardless of our disagreements. The mission must be our priority."

"Priority?" Jax scoffed. "Your priority is keeping your head in the sand while the rest of us fight to survive. I say we take the fight to them before it's too late."

Daylen clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him. "And I say we need to be smart about this. There's a difference between bravery and recklessness."

The argument escalated, voices rising until it felt as though the camp itself would erupt. As Daylen struggled to maintain control, he realized the fracture in their unity was no longer just a whisper—it was a deafening roar.

Finally, Daylen took a deep breath, drawing on his remaining patience. "I'll consider your plan, Jax. But we need to make sure everyone is on the same page. We can't afford any more mistakes."

Jax's eyes narrowed, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. "You can't keep trying to appease everyone, Daylen. You're either a leader or you're not."

Daylen's stomach twisted at the implications. The camp was already divided, and Jax was clearly positioning himself to take more control. They needed unity, not more discord.

Mara cut through the tension with a firm tone. "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.