A Heart Divided

Chapter 39

The Siege

The storm continued to lash down around them, its fierce winds howling like a chorus of rage. Eliza's heart pounded as she stood at the edge of the battle, her sword gripped tightly in her hands. The crack of weapons against shields, the shouts of the rebels, and the clash of steel were deafening in the night. The rain turned the ground into a slick, treacherous battlefield, and the rebels had to fight with everything they had to hold their ground.

Alden was beside her, his movements fluid and precise as he dispatched the Duke's soldiers with the ease of someone who had fought many battles before. His face was grim, his expression hard, but there was no mistaking the fire in his eyes. He was here for her, here because they had no other choice.

They were outnumbered, but they were not outmatched. Eliza had trained for this moment, and now, she felt the full weight of the responsibility she had taken on. This wasn't just about survival anymore—it was about the future of her kingdom.

"Stay close!" Alden shouted over the din of the battle, his voice carrying through the rain. "We need to hold them off long enough for the others to regroup!"

Eliza nodded, her grip tightening on her sword. The rebels had set up a defensive perimeter around the old village, using its ruins and abandoned structures as cover. But it wouldn't be enough if the Duke's reinforcements arrived in full force. They needed to push back, to make their stand before the enemy encircled them.

The cavalry charged, a thundering wave of hooves and armor, but Elias was already prepared. His command rang out, and the rebels formed into a tight, disciplined line, their weapons raised and ready. The sound of arrows slicing through the air rang out, and several of the Duke's cavalrymen were knocked from their horses.

"Now!" Elias bellowed.

The rebels surged forward, meeting the Duke's forces with a battle cry that seemed to shake the very earth beneath them. Eliza was caught in the fray, her sword flashing as she cut down one soldier, then another. Her body moved on instinct, every lesson she had learned in the past weeks coming to life in that single, chaotic moment.

Through the haze of rain and smoke, she saw Elias moving like a shadow, his dark figure cutting through the enemy ranks with precision. His eyes never wavered as he fought, his mind always calculating, always several steps ahead. She couldn't help but admire him—he was everything she had wanted to be. But there was no time for admiration now. There was only the fight.