The deafening blast tore through the stillness of the night, a violent eruption that echoed across the city's desolate streets. Flames roared to life, licking hungrily at the iron gates now gaping open like the jaws of some ancient beast. Sparks showered the air, swirling amidst a thick cloud of smoke that choked the moonlight, casting the scene into a hellish twilight.
Kaela's pulse raced, her breath coming fast and shallow as adrenaline surged through her veins. Around her, the rebels moved like shadows, slipping through the breach with deadly precision. Every step forward was a gamble, a battle against time and the relentless patrols that could flood the area at any moment.
Ava darted ahead, her eyes sharp as daggers, scouting for traps or enemies lurking in the darkness. "Clear on the left," she called back, voice low but urgent.
Joren followed closely, clutching a satchel of explosives ready to dismantle any barriers within. His jaw was set, every muscle taut with focus.
Kaela's mind raced — this was the moment their rebellion would either ignite or crumble. The stakes had never been higher.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the chaos — an alarm. The Ashen forces were waking.
"Move! Move!" Kaela commanded, heart pounding like a war drum.
Gunfire erupted, echoing off the walls as rebels and Ashen soldiers collided in a deadly dance. The air filled with smoke, screams, and the acrid sting of gunpowder.
Kaela ducked behind a crumbling pillar, eyes searching for a way forward. Beside her, Ava fired with deadly accuracy, picking off enemies with ruthless efficiency.
But the Ashen were relentless.
As the firefight intensified, Kaela spotted a narrow stairwell leading deeper into the stronghold — their path to the command center.
"We need to take it!" she shouted, rallying her team.
They dashed through the hail of bullets, each second stretching into eternity. The heat of the fire pressed in, the roar of destruction deafening.
In that inferno of chaos and courage, Kaela knew one thing for certain — they would either burn this tyranny to the ground, or be consumed by it.