🔥 Chapter 32 — Fallout and Pursuit
The first rays of dawn stretched across the eastern plains, illuminating the ruined hub. Kael and Rhyne emerged from the shattered chamber, Ember coiled protectively around Kael, its faint glow still resonating from the residual energy.
Rhyne scanned the area, eyes sharp. "The hub's destabilized, but the King won't ignore this. His forces will mobilize soon. We need to know what he's planning next."
Kael nodded, flames flickering with thought. "Exactly. Destroying the hub was only the first step. We've delayed him, but intelligence is critical. We need to track the flow of magic and scout the surrounding regions for his next moves."
Using the Ember, Kael traced residual currents of magical energy streaming from the shattered hub. The threads of power were scattered but discernible, leading toward nearby villages and forests. "There," Kael said, pointing. "The King's forces will regroup along these paths. If we follow discreetly, we can anticipate their movements and intercept where it matters most."
Rhyne tightened his grip on his sigil blade. "We need scouts, reinforcements, and careful planning. One misstep, and we're walking straight into an ambush."
Kael's flames spiraled with agreement. "We move in small, fast teams. Scouts ahead, signalers on the ridges, and we maintain constant surveillance. If the King attempts to react immediately, we'll be ready."
As they moved through the plains, faint traces of magical residue indicated troop movements. Small patrols had been dispatched, likely to investigate the hub's destruction. Kael adjusted the Ember, sensing their positions and estimating their strength.
Rhyne exhaled sharply. "It's like a web. Every move we make, the King will react—but we've already forced him onto the defensive in this region."
Kael's flames flared brighter. "Yes. And now it's time to exploit that. The hub's destruction weakens his eastern forces, but we need to ensure he can't rebuild them quickly. That's where strategy and timing come in."
The wind whispered through the plains, carrying the faint hum of residual magic. Kael and Rhyne pressed forward, ready to track the King's next strategic move and plan the counterstrike that could finally shift the balance of power.