Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 67

Chapter 67: Chapter 32: Mapping the Next Move_2

Looking toward the horizon Amira saw shadows stretched far and wide. “Now that the safe house and communication line are secure all we need to focus on what comes next.”

Layla, who had been quietly observing folded her hands in her lap and asked. “So, what’s our next move once we arrive at the basin?”

Before answering, Amira took a moment to think about the question. Finally, she spoke, her tone steady. “When we reach the basin, we’ll divide into two groups. I’ll lead one, and Bella will handle the other.”

“There’s no babysitting this time, correct?” Bella raised an eyebrow, her eyes showing that she was interested. “If you assign me to stand guard over everyone again, I’m going to start charging overtime.”

Amira chuckled softly. “No. This time, you’re on reconnaissance.” She leaned forward, her expression serious. “You’ll take half of our squad and scout the entire perimeter of the basin while your mission is to map the area and identify any potential threats.”

Bella’s grin widened. “Now that sounds like fun.”

Amira’s eyes darkened slightly. “No fighting unless absolutely necessary. Avoid confrontation at all costs. Your goal is intel—not glory.”

Bella gave an exaggerated sigh and muttered, “You really know how to kill a mood.” Then she straightened. “Alright, fine. No fights. Just sneaky scouting.”

“But the basin’s massive,” Layla pointed out. “Covering the whole perimeter could take more than a day.”

Amira nodded. “That’s why you’ll split your squad into smaller teams. Divide the area and take fast, light vehicles. Nothing heavy. Speed is more important than firepower.”

Bella tapped her chin, considering. “Alright. Fast and light. Got it.” She gave a thoughtful pause before asking, “What about you? What’s your plan for the rest of the team?”

Amira’s gaze drifted down to the village square, where the villagers bustled about, gathering supplies for the next day’s journey. The faint glow of campfires illuminated their weary faces, but there was also a quiet determination in their movements.

“I’ll take the villagers and the remaining squad into the basin’s town,” Amira said. “It’s not a big town—mainly a tourist spot. The population should be manageable.” She crossed her arms, her tone resolute. “Our first priority is to secure the military compound on the town’s outskirts. Its underground facility spans nearly half the town.”

Layla’s eyes widened. “Half the town? That’s massive.”

Amira nodded. “It’s one of the oldest military compounds in the Federation. Once we secure it, we’ll use it as our main base of operations. Our families will stay there—it’s the safest place for them. The villagers will be settled within the town.”

Bella leaned back, impressed. “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.”

“Once we’re settled, we’ll check if any of the compound’s communication systems are functional,” Amira continued. “If not, our first task is to set up a network that covers the entire basin. I won’t risk us being cut off once we’re inside.”

Bella folded her arms. “So what happens after we’ve secured everything?”

Amira’s expression softened slightly. “Once everything is stable, we’ll regroup and meet with the town’s residents. We need to explain the situation and reassure them. The last thing we need is panic.” She glanced at Elias, her tone lightening. “That’s where you come in.”

Elias blinked. “Me?”

“You’re good at diffusing tension,” Amira said with a small smile. “Take a few non-combat squad members who are good with people and help keep the peace. We can’t afford chaos.”

Elias scratched the back of his neck. “Great. I’m the official town therapist now.”

Bella snorted. “Better you than me.”

Amira rose to her feet, brushing the frost off her coat. “Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”

Layla stunned at this abrupt ending and. “Don’t you any other plans or instructions.”

Amira looked at her sister silly face and said with a smile. “No, rest we do in a joint meeting after securing the town and military compound.”

The group slowly stood, gathering their empty bowls as they prepared to head down from the fortress. Bella paused beside Elias, giving him a playful nudge. “Hey, don’t stress. You’ve got that charming, awkward thing going for you.”

Elias rolled his eyes but chuckled. “Thanks… I think.”

Amira lingered for a moment longer, staring out at the horizon. The wind tugged at her silver hair as the distant mountains cast long shadows in the moonlight.

She then went with them down the barrier to the area prepared for her to rest which she greatly need now as due to constant vigilance she kept from last 2 days and the fight she had yesterday made her exhausted but didn’t took chance to rest instead meditated which kept her fresh.

Meanwhile in Capital City

The quiet hum of the city outside Chancellor Helen’s office was a sharp contrast to the heavy silence inside. The dim light of the setting sun filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm but somber glow over the sleek furnishings. Helen sat behind her desk, her chin resting on her clasped hands as Aiden stepped in, his expression calm yet wary.

The only other person in the room was Helen’s most trusted guard, who stood silently by the door. Aiden nodded at him—a brief acknowledgment between two familiar faces—before turning his attention to Helen. She motioned for him to sit, her gestures more inviting than formal.

“Come, sit,” she said, her voice soft but firm.

Aiden settled into the chair across from her, his posture straight but not tense. “You asked to see me. What’s this about?”

Helen sighed and leaned back in her chair while her shoulders relaxing slightly. “You don’t need to be so formal, Aiden. I was your mother’s best friend. You know that. I’ve known you since you were a child. This isn’t an official summons—it’s personal.”

Aiden also relaxed his stance, though his sharp gaze never wavered. “Alright I’m listening.”

“I owe you an apology,” As she then took a steady breath her voice tinged with remorse. “I couldn’t bring justice to your fallen team members. They were under my command too, and I failed them. I failed you.”

Aiden’s eyes softened but his tone remained steady. “You don’t need to apologize, Aunt Helen. This isn’t on you and you tried… but there wasn’t much you could do. No one could.”