Ashes of the FutureChapter 16 – Prey and Predator
The forest beyond Tondc smelled of wet pine, decaying leaves, and the faint iron scent of blood long spilled. Kira knelt beside a set of tracks half-hidden in the underbrush, her fingers brushing the disturbed earth. Fresh. Less than an hour old. Her eyes flicked upward through the dim canopy.
"They're moving fast," she murmured.
Beside her, Indra grunted. "Scouts. Ice Nation. Testing our borders."
Kira stood, stretching the ache from her legs. "They're bolder than we thought."
"They always are before the storm," Indra replied, her eyes sweeping the treeline.
The pair moved with silent efficiency through the dense undergrowth, accompanied by four Trikru scouts. Kira had insisted on taking part in the border patrols herself. Not because she didn't trust the others—but because she needed to see the enemy for herself. To feel their presence in her bones.
Ahead, the trees thinned, giving way to a clearing dotted with standing stones, ancient and moss-covered. A sacred place, judging by the reverent way Indra paused before entering.
"We shouldn't fight here," one of the scouts whispered.
"Then we don't," Kira replied. "Unless they make us."
But the Ice Nation scouts were already there.
Four of them stood in the clearing, blades drawn, tattoos stark against their pale skin. One was already bleeding from the arm—a clean slice likely earned by one of Indra's earlier traps.
The two groups stared each other down.
"This is Trikru land," Indra barked. "You violate our peace."
"We scouted," one replied, voice cold and unrepentant. "Not attacked. That's more courtesy than you deserve."
Kira stepped forward, calm as a pond. "Then leave. While you still can."
The Ice scout laughed. "You don't give orders here, girl."
Kira didn't respond with words.
She moved.
One moment she was standing still, the next she was inside the Ice scout's guard, her fist slamming into his throat. He staggered, choking. Her foot swept his legs, sending him crashing backward into a stone pillar. The other scouts lunged, and the clearing exploded into motion.
Blades clashed. Kira dodged a slash and countered with a spinning kick to the ribs. A dagger grazed her shoulder, tearing leather. She twisted under a strike, disarmed one attacker, and sent him to the ground with a brutal elbow to the temple.
Indra moved beside her, precise and deadly. The Trikru scouts held their own. The fight ended quickly.
Three Ice Nation scouts lay unconscious or dead. The last one limped away, bleeding, vanishing into the trees.
"He'll report back," Indra warned.
"Good," Kira said, panting. "Let them know what we're capable of."
By the time they returned to Tondc, dusk had painted the sky in streaks of orange and violet. The city bustled with tense energy. Everyone felt it—the slow build to war. Warriors trained harder, guards stood straighter, and eyes lingered longer at the horizon.
Lexa met Kira at the gates.
"You're hurt," she said, frowning at the blood on Kira's shoulder.
"Just a scratch."
Lexa touched it gently, expression tightening. "Even scratches can kill here."
"Not this one. Not today."
Lexa gave her a long look. "You keep placing yourself in danger."
"Because I know what I can handle. And because I won't stand on the sidelines."
They walked together in silence for a moment, weaving between traders and militia.
"You are unlike anyone I've known," Lexa said.
"You keep saying that."
"Because it keeps being true."
Kira smiled faintly. "And you keep watching me like you're waiting for me to break."
"Not break," Lexa murmured. "Change."
They stopped at the edge of a stone stairwell. Below, a fire pit burned, warriors seated in a ring around it.
"I won't become something I'm not," Kira said.
"I know," Lexa replied. "That's what terrifies me."
Later that night, the camp held a feast. Not one of celebration—but solidarity. Stew simmered in clay pots, and voices rose in shared song and story.
Kira sat near the edge, a cup of spiced drink warming her hands. Lexa was across the fire, speaking with Roan. Their body language was neutral, but Kira watched closely.
"Jealous?" came a voice beside her.
She turned. It was Nyla, smiling gently.
"Of Roan? Not a chance," Kira replied.
"Not of him. Of time Lexa doesn't spend with you."
Kira hesitated. Then: "No. I just want her to survive. Whatever that means."
Nyla nodded. "That may be why she'll choose you."
Kira gave a small laugh. "She hasn't chosen anything yet."
"Not openly. But she watches you like you're the first sunrise after a long winter."
Kira looked into the fire. "I don't want to be her distraction."
"Then be her anchor."
When the fire dimmed and the camp quieted, Kira stood alone on the outer wall. The stars were scattered bright across the sky.
Lexa joined her again, as if drawn there without thought.
"You should rest," Kira said.
"I will. Later."
They stood in silence.
Then Lexa whispered, "Do you believe in fate?"
"No," Kira replied. "But I believe in choice. And I believe every choice changes something. Even small ones."
Lexa looked at her. "Then this... whatever this is between us..."
"A choice," Kira said. "But not one we have to make tonight."
Lexa nodded.
And still, they stood close.
Breathing the same cool air.
Letting silence speak what neither dared to voice just yet.
End of Chapter 16
patreon.com/KyJo_