Ben's POV

I ducked down behind some twisted roots with my heart racing and my breathing quick as I looked at the dark rogue camp.

I felt the past pressing down on me like a heavy blanket that wouldn’t go away. But tonight felt different as need and want pushed me ahead like two flames ready to ignite the whole forest.

I saw the rogue scouts fade into the dark with their sharp eyes on the faintly lit entrance of the settlement. They looked like ghosts—thin, tense and always ready to jump into action. The guards stayed hidden with their hunting instincts satisfied by their secret spots.

To an untrained...