MORTAL FREEDOM

Wilson and Sara-fin sprinted through the forest, the distant sound of gunfire and screams propelling them forward. The air was thick with smoke, the acrid scent burning their lungs. As they neared the edge of the camp, Wilson pulled Sara-fin behind a large, jagged rock, gesturing for her to stay low.

"What are you doing?" Sara-fin whispered harshly, trying to peer over the edge.

Wilson didn't answer immediately. His stomach churned as he caught sight of the scene unfolding before them. The camp was a graveyard of chaos. Several rebels lay motionless on the ground, their blood staining the earth. The surviving rebels knelt in a line, their hands bound behind their backs. Ministrian soldiers, clad in dark armor, paced menacingly among them, rifles trained on their captives.

Sara-fin covered her mouth with trembling hands. "Oh no… Dad… Jayce…"

Wilson followed her gaze and saw them. Mr. Brian and Jayce were both bound, kneeling at the front of the line. Their faces were battered, blood trickling down their brows. A tall soldier stood before them, his black armor polished to a cruel sheen. Kroll. The man's presence radiated control and malice, his every movement deliberate and calculated.

"Where is Wilson Tanga?" Kroll demanded, his voice sharp and cold. He stepped closer to Mr. Brian, his shadow falling over the rebel leader. "You know where he is. Tell me, and I might spare your people."

Mr. Brian raised his head, his eyes blazing with defiance despite the blood dripping from his head. "You'll get nothing from me, you coward," he spat.

Kroll smirked. "I was hoping you'd say that."

FEAR AND HESITATION

Sara-fin turned to Wilson, her green eyes wide with terror and determination. "We have to help them," she whispered urgently. "We can't just stand here."

Wilson froze, his heart pounding in his chest. The scene before him was horrifying, but the thought of stepping into it was paralyzing. The last battle had shown him just how unstable the surge could be, how easily it could harm his allies as much as his enemies. What if he lost control again? What if he made things worse?

"I, I don't know if I can," Wilson stammered, his voice barely audible.

Sara-fin's expression shifted, disbelief etched across her face. "What do you mean you don't know? They're going to kill them!"

Wilson's hands clenched into fists. "If I go out there, I'll put them in more danger. I could"

"You could save them!" Sara-fin interrupted, her voice rising with desperation. "You have the power to stop this!"

Wilson looked away, shame burning in his chest. "I'm not ready."

Sara-fin's face twisted with a mixture of anger and heartbreak. "Not ready? My father and my brother are out there, Wilson. They're about to die. And you're telling me you're not ready?"

Before Wilson could respond, a sharp cry drew their attention. Mr. Brian had stepped forward, his head held high. Kroll raised his weapon and struck him across the face with the butt of his rifle. The rebel leader crumpled to the ground, blood spilling from a deep gash on his cheek.

"No!" Sara-fin screamed, her voice breaking. She started to rise, but Wilson grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

"Sara-fin, don't!" he hissed. "You'll get yourself killed."

She yanked her arm free, tears streaming down her face. "I can't just watch this happen."

Without another word, she stepped out from behind the rock and began walking toward the scene. Wilson's heart sank as he watched her, a sense of dread washing over him.

A DESPERATE BARGAIN

The soldiers turned as Sara-fin emerged from the shadows, her hands raised above her head. Kroll's eyes narrowed as she approached, her defiance clear despite the tears streaking her face.

"I can take you to him," Sara-fin said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

Kroll studied her for a moment, then smiled coldly. "Interesting. And why should I believe you?"

"Because I'm his… friend," she said, hesitating only slightly. "He trusts me. If anyone can lead you to him, it's me."

Kroll chuckled darkly. "How noble. Very well. But if you're lying…" He gestured to the kneeling rebels. "Let's just say they won't be alive to welcome you back."

Sara-fin's jaw tightened, but she nodded. "I'm not lying."

Kroll motioned to six of his soldiers. "You, with me. The rest, secure the prisoners."

The soldiers fell into step behind Sara-fin as she led them toward the forest. As they disappeared into the trees, she cast a quick glance over her shoulder, her eyes locking with Wilson's. Her gaze was filled with sorrow and something else trust. She was counting on him, even now.

Wilson ducked back behind the rock, his heart racing. He couldn't let her do this alone, but the weight of his hesitation crushed him. He felt like a coward, frozen by fear. But before he could decide what to do, a movement caught his eye.

JAYCE'S FURY

Wilson turned and saw Jayce. The older man was still kneeling among the prisoners, his face battered but his eyes sharp and filled with rage. Somehow, Jayce had seen him hiding behind the rock.

Their eyes met, and Wilson felt a chill run down his spine. Jayce's expression was a mixture of fury and disappointment, his message clear even without words: You abandoned us.

Wilson's stomach twisted. He wanted to call out, to explain himself, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he watched helplessly as Jayce turned away, his jaw clenched tightly.

INTO THE WOODS

Sara-fin led the soldiers deeper into the forest, her mind racing. She knew what she was doing was dangerous and reckless, even but she couldn't stand by and watch her family suffer. If leading these men into the woods bought the rebels more time, it was worth it.

Kroll's voice cut through the silence. "You're leading us in circles," he said, his tone laced with suspicion. "If you think you can trick me"

"I'm not," Sara-fin said quickly. "He's just… careful. He doesn't stay in one place for long."

Kroll's eyes narrowed, but he gestured for her to keep moving. Sara-fin glanced over her shoulder again, hoping praying that Wilson would find the courage to act.

WILSON'S CHOICE

Back at the rock, Wilson clenched his fists, his mind a storm of self-loathing and indecision. Sara-fin's words echoed in his ears: You have the power to stop this.

He looked back toward the camp, where the prisoners knelt in silence. He thought of Mr. Brian, struck down for his defiance. He thought of Jayce's glare, filled with righteous fury. And most of all, he thought of Sara-fin, leading the enemy away to protect the people she loved.

Wilson took a deep breath, the surge humming faintly beneath his skin. This was his fault his burden to bear. If he didn't act now, more people would die.

With all expectation of confidence and will to act he backed out, like a selfish coward he ran away from everything.