A Heart Divided

Chapter 36

The Storm Before the Fight

The days leading up to their first true confrontation with the Duke's men were filled with tension and uncertainty. Eliza had been training relentlessly, honing her skills with the sword and learning the basics of battlefield tactics. Her body ached, but her mind had become sharper, more focused. Elias had kept her on her toes, pushing her harder than anyone ever had. But it was Alden who still kept her grounded, his presence a quiet strength in the midst of the chaos.

They traveled in the dead of night, moving through the dense forests and over the rough terrain as they made their way toward a small village just outside the capital. It was there, they hoped, that they would find their first opportunity to strike.

The night was thick with clouds, and the moon was a pale sliver in the sky, offering no light to guide them. The air smelled of rain, and Eliza could feel the electricity of the coming storm in her bones. Something was about to break.

As they reached the edge of the village, they took refuge in a small abandoned barn, waiting for the first signs of the Duke's patrols to pass. The village itself was quiet—eerily so—and Eliza couldn't help but wonder if the villagers had already been warned to keep their heads down. It was a small outpost, insignificant to most of the kingdom, but it was the perfect place to begin their assault.

Elias and Alden exchanged quiet words as they surveyed the village from their hiding spot. Eliza could hear the whispers of the rebels, preparing their weapons, checking their supplies. She felt a flicker of fear in her chest, but it was quickly replaced by something else: determination.

"I never thought I'd be here," Eliza said softly, more to herself than to anyone in particular. "I never imagined this would be my life."

Alden turned to her, his expression unreadable. But his eyes softened when he saw the doubt flickering in her gaze. "You're not the same person you were when we left the palace," he said, his voice low and steady. "You've grown, Eliza. You've become someone who will change this kingdom."

She looked at him, the weight of his words sinking in. He was right. She had changed. The girl who had once been a princess bound by duty and fear was gone. In her place stood a woman who would fight for her future, for her right to live on her own terms.

A sharp whistle cut through the air, pulling them from their thoughts. Elias was at the door of the barn, his eyes scanning the darkened village.

"It's time," he said, his voice hard, but with a glimmer of hope. "Get ready. We move out in five minutes."