CLOCKWORK HEARTS

Last light

The cold air bit at Clara's skin as she stood at the edge of the camp, her gaze fixed on the treeline beyond. The soft rustle of leaves in the distance was the only sound, a fleeting reminder of the calm that was about to be shattered. Clara took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the shadows. Somewhere out there, the faction was advancing, and every second brought them closer. The silence was heavy, almost suffocating, as if the world itself held its breath for what was to come.

Tobias approached, his footsteps almost silent on the frozen ground. Clara glanced at him, her heart tightening at the sight of his weary expression. He looked as tired as she felt, but his eyes were filled with the same determination that had carried them this far.

- The lookouts say they spotted movement to the west - Tobias said, his voice low. - Could be a scouting party. We need to be ready.

Clara nodded, her gaze never wavering from the darkened forest. - They're testing us. Trying to find a weak point. We can't give them one.

Tobias moved closer, his eyes studying her face. - We won't. We've done everything we can to prepare. Now we just have to hold our ground.

Clara turned to face him fully, her expression softening. - Thank you for being here. For not giving up, even when it felt impossible.

Tobias gave a small smile, his hand brushing against her arm. - There was never a moment I thought about giving up. Not when you were still standing.

Clara felt a warmth spread through her chest, her gaze meeting his. Before she could respond, a shout echoed from across the camp. Clara's head snapped up, her body tensing as she saw Victor running towards them, his face set in grim urgency.

- They're coming - Victor called out, his voice carrying over the cold night air. - The faction's making their move.

Clara's heart pounded, her eyes narrowing. - How far?

Victor reached them, his breath coming in quick bursts. - Close. We've got maybe ten minutes before they reach the outer barricades. Everyone's in position, but we need to be ready for anything.

Tobias nodded, his hand already reaching for his weapon. - We'll hold the line. Whatever it takes.

Clara glanced between Victor and Tobias, her mind racing. - Get the archers to the eastern barricade. If they try to come through there, we need to force them into the traps. I'll head to the north and make sure we're covered there.

Victor gave a sharp nod, turning on his heel and disappearing into the darkness. Tobias looked at Clara, his expression filled with both worry and determination.

- Be careful, Clara - he said, his voice soft.

Clara nodded, her gaze steady. - You too.

She turned and moved quickly through the camp, her footsteps purposeful as she made her way to the northern barricade. She could see the silhouettes of people moving in the dim light, their faces a mix of fear and determination. Clara's heart clenched at the sight. These were her people, the ones she had promised to protect, and she would not let them down.

As she reached the northern edge, Clara spotted Alia, the young scout who had joined them a few days ago. Alia was crouched near the barricade, her eyes scanning the treeline, her bow ready in her hands. Clara moved to her side, her voice barely above a whisper.

- Any movement?

Alia shook her head, her eyes never leaving the shadows. - Not yet. But they're out there. I can feel it.

Clara nodded, her gaze shifting to the darkness beyond. - Stay sharp. The moment you see anything, let me know.

Alia gave a quick nod, her eyes filled with a determination that belied her young age. Clara watched her for a moment before turning her attention back to the barricade, her fingers brushing against the rough wood. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that made every second stretch into an eternity.