The Forbidden Element

The atmosphere inside the dimly lit hideout was tense. The air smelled of burning wood and damp stone, mixing with the quiet murmurs of the resistance members who had gathered. Surya sat at the center, his fingers drumming against the hilt of his sword as he processed Aaryan's words from earlier.

A rebellion against the First Kingdom. A hidden network of warriors and outcasts who sought to defy the empire's rule. And now, they wanted Surya to fight alongside them.

Saria leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Rohan, on the other hand, was sharpening his dagger, his usual fiery demeanor subdued.

"So," Rohan finally spoke, breaking the silence, "what's our next move?"

Aaryan stepped forward, his piercing blue eyes scanning each of them. "The First Kingdom has spies everywhere. Our priority is moving out before they track us. There's a safe passage leading to the northern cliffs. If we reach it by dawn, we'll be beyond their reach."

Surya nodded. "And after that?"

Aaryan hesitated for a moment before responding, "There's someone you need to meet. An old ally of the rebellion. He knows things about your power, Surya. Things even you don't understand yet."

Surya's grip tightened. His power—the forbidden force that had destroyed his kingdom—was still a mystery to him. If there was someone who could help him control it, he had to find them.

"Then let's move," Surya said, standing up.

As the group prepared to leave, a sudden knock on the hideout door made everyone freeze.

Three slow knocks. A pause. Two more.

Aaryan's expression darkened. He motioned for everyone to stay silent as he moved toward the door. With careful precision, he unlatched it slightly, peeking outside.

A hooded figure slipped inside, moving swiftly. The dim lantern light revealed her face—sharp, intelligent eyes beneath a veil of dark hair. She wore a resistance insignia on her wrist.

"We have a problem," she said, her voice low. "There's a traitor among us."

Aaryan's fists clenched. "Who?"

The woman hesitated. "Someone tipped off the First Kingdom about this hideout. Soldiers are already moving in. We have minutes before they arrive."

Surya's eyes narrowed. "Then we fight our way out."

Rohan grinned, flames flickering at his fingertips. "Now that's more like it."

Aaryan, however, didn't look convinced. "No. If we engage now, we'll lose everything. We have to leave—now."

Surya hesitated. He didn't like running. But they had no choice.

"Fine," he muttered. "Let's go."

The group rushed toward the back exit, but as they stepped into the cold night air, they found themselves surrounded. Soldiers in black armor blocked every escape route, their weapons gleaming under the moonlight.

A man in crimson robes stepped forward, a smirk on his face. His voice was eerily calm.

"Going somewhere?"

Surya instinctively reached for his sword, but Aaryan placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression grave.

"That's Lord Varun," Aaryan whispered. "One of the First Kingdom's elite enforcers. We're in trouble."

Surya exhaled slowly, his golden eyes burning with resolve.

"Then let's make it a fight they won't forget."

(TO BE CONTINUED...)