Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 105

Chapter 105: Chapter 51: A Looming Confrontation_2

She turned her gaze back to the map, her voice steady. “Do we have an update on the military’s current location?”

“The army convoy has stopped here.” Elias tapped a spot on the map near the main road leading to the basin. “It’s an area with abandoned shops and buildings lining both sides of the road. They’ve fortified their position. From what our scouts observed, they’re preparing for something—either an ambush or a defensive maneuver.”

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Amira’s lips. “Of course they did.”

It was the most obvious choice for an ambush—a vantage point with limited escape routes. But Aiden was no fool. He would see through it.

“Aiden will anticipate the attack.” She mused, her tone almost amused. “And he’ll be prepared.”

A brief silence settled over them before Amira straightened, her mind already forming a plan. “Bella and her team are free now, correct?”

Elias nodded. “Yes, Captain. They completed their recon mission today.”

Amira tapped her fingers against the table in thought. “Good. Bella stays here to oversee operations. I’ll take her recon team at first light—we’ll move toward them and observe the situation from a distance if needed we can ensure Aiden’s convoy makes it through safely.”

Elias nodded without hesitation, trusting her judgment. But before the decision could settle, Layla, Amira’s sister, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “Why are you so sure that Aiden’s convoy is the civilian one? And how can you be certain that the military unit is moving against them?”

Her tone was laced with doubt—not outright opposition, but concern.

“He’s still one of the Federation’s highest-ranking generals.” She continued, “Why would they turn on one of their own?”

Amira finally turned to face her sister, but before she could reply, Layla pressed on. “And let’s be honest.” She exhaled, frustration creeping into her voice. “Even if we help them, it’s not like we can fully trust them. If we merge squads, it’ll be a mess. And do you really believe they’ll follow your command?”

The room fell silent.

For a moment, Amira just watched her sister. Then, she sighed and shook her head.

“Layla, you’re not wrong.” Her voice was even, thoughtful. “But we don’t have the luxury of fighting alone.”

She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “I already knew that Aiden wouldn’t comply with the Federation’s decisions. And I gave him a chance—a path out. The fact that he’s heading here, with his unit and their families, already speaks volumes.”

Layla’s frown deepened, but Elias spoke up next.

“Even so,” he said carefully, “you really think they’ll follow your lead? Aiden doesn’t seem like the kind of person who takes orders easily.”

Amira exhaled, rubbing her temple for a brief moment.

“Maybe you’re right.” She admitted. “But I’m not afraid of that. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Her words carried a weight of finality—the discussion was over.

Layla still looked unconvinced, but she didn’t push further.

……

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of gold and orange, casting long shadows over the cracked and broken highway.

Aiden’s convoy moved at a steady but cautious pace—not out of fear, but awareness.

Seated in the lead vehicle, Aiden scanned the terrain ahead, his sharp gaze analyzing every detail. The night had been unnaturally quiet, and he knew what that meant—the enemy was waiting.

This was the crucial moment. The ambush was inevitable.

“Civilians stay at the rear. One-fourth of our unit forms a defensive perimeter around them at all times.” Through his earpiece, he gave precise orders. “While awakened individuals with large-area protection skills—focus on barriers. When the time comes, we’ll need shields in place immediately.”

“The rest of you—stay with me up front.” His voice carried authority, and Tommy, who was coordinating movements, relayed the instructions without hesitation.

“Formation confirmed. Everyone, stay sharp,” Tommy’s voice crackled through the comms. “We’re walking straight into a fight.”

With that, Tommy adjusted his gloves, feeling the familiar surge of energy within him—that electric pulse of anticipation before a battle.

As the convoy approached the intersection, Aiden finally saw it.

Rows of abandoned shops and crumbling buildings lined both sides of the road, the shadows between them too still, too perfect.

They were waiting.

Aiden didn’t need confirmation to know they were walking into an ambush. His instincts, honed by countless battles, screamed danger.

He refused to give them an easy shot. “Hold position. Do not move between the buildings.”

He stepped out of the vehicle, his boots crunching against the debris-covered road, flames flickering to life around his hands.

Tommy followed, but his gaze lingered on Aiden, noticing how his flames burned hotter than usual.

He’s expecting a real fight.

Then—

A sharp whistle cut through the silence.

Aiden barely moved before a sudden gunshot echoed through the desolate ruins, cutting through the charged silence. He barely moved, yet the moment the bullet reached him, a burst of flame flared around him, instantly vaporizing the round. Not a single ember lingered; the shot was reduced to nothing.

Grant’s eyes widened. “Again.” His command was sharp.

Multiple shooters repositioned on the rooftops, their rifles raised in unison. A second volley rained down on Aiden, but the result was the same. Bullets met an impenetrable wall of fire, melting upon impact, their metal husks vanishing before they could reach their mark.

Confusion spread among Grant’s forces. Was this magic? Some impenetrable armor? A trick? Yet Aiden stood there, unscathed, his clothes still pristine, not even a wrinkle out of place.

Grant clenched his jaw, frustration brewing. This isn’t possible.

Aiden exhaled, his patience thinning. “Is this really the best you can do?” His voice rang loud across the battlefield. “For all your talk, you’re still relying on hiding behind others, Grant. You were always a coward.” His words cut deeper than any bullet ever could.

Grant stiffened. His soldiers glanced at him. Some of them—just for a second—questioned if their leader truly had what it took.

“Shut up.” Grant’s voice was low, but Aiden caught the underlying tension. He was getting under his skin.

Aiden smirked. “Still the same, I see. You gather numbers, but you lack courage.” His golden eyes flickered with intensity as he took a step forward. “Enough games. Let’s end this.”