The air in Twilight's hidden stronghold was thick with tension. The council had gathered in the dimly lit chamber, their expressions unreadable. Alexander sat at the head of the table, his hands clenched into fists. The latest intelligence report had shaken him more than he cared to admit.
"The nobles are moving faster than we anticipated," Soren said, spreading a map on the table. "House Solberg has been playing both sides, but it seems their true allegiance is still uncertain. We intercepted a message indicating that they are in talks with the Empire."
Nyssa crossed her arms, her eyes sharp as daggers. "We should have eliminated them when we had the chance."
Alexander shook his head. "We can't afford to act rashly. If we move against them without proof, we risk losing our foothold in Gamma. The Empire is watching our every move."
A heavy silence settled over the room. The resistance had gained momentum in recent months, but any wrong step could mean their downfall.
A messenger rushed into the chamber, breathless. "My lord, there's been an attack. House Dagon's safe house in Delta was compromised. Duchess Mira barely escaped. Kael is missing."
Soren's face darkened. "This was no random strike. Someone fed the Empire our location."
Nyssa slammed her hand on the table. "A traitor among us."
Alexander's gaze swept over the council members. Trust was a fragile thing, and in Twilight, even the shadows could not be trusted. He took a deep breath and stood. "We root them out. And we strike before they expect it. The Empire wants to play games? Let's remind them that we are not to be underestimated."
Outside, storm clouds gathered, mirroring the storm brewing within Twilight itself. The battle for freedom had just become even more dangerous.