The morning sun barely pierced the dense fog cloaking the Magadhan camp. Soldiers moved like ghosts—wary, tense, suspicious.
Ashvath and Sita walked quietly among the tents. The weight of the previous night's revelations pressed on them both.
---
Sita's Suspicion
Sita stopped by a supply tent, watching as a young soldier clumsily carried a crate of weapons. His eyes darted nervously.
"Something's off," she whispered to Ashvath.
He nodded. "I've felt it since the spy was discovered. The traitor is clever."
Sita frowned. "We need to find them before more blood is spilled."
They moved through the camp, questioning quietly, watching closely.
---
The First Clue
Near the command tent, Sita caught a glimpse of a folded paper slipped quickly into the hands of a messenger.
She stepped forward.
"Wait."
The messenger froze, then dropped the paper.
Ashvath picked it up, reading silently.
"Strike before the full moon. The king's trust blinds him."
Sita's eyes narrowed. "Someone in Ashoka's inner circle."
Ashvath's jaw tightened. "Someone close."
---
Betrayal in the Ranks
That evening, in Ashoka's tent, Devadatta moved nervously as Ashoka poured over maps.
"We must act carefully," Ashoka said. "If the traitor suspects we know, they'll vanish."
Suddenly, the tent flap ripped open.
A guard rushed in. "My king, a message."
Ashoka took the scroll and read silently.
His face hardened.
"Tonight... the heart will bleed."
---
A Growing Bond
Outside, Sita found Ashvath.
"We face a war from without and within," she said softly.
He looked at her, the flicker of a smile breaking his stoic mask.
"Whatever comes," he said, "I want you by my side."
Sita's hand found his.
"In darkness, we'll be each other's light."
---