Chapter 6 – The Road to War
The sky bled red over Harrow Ridge as Eden stood on the cliff's edge, watching her army assemble. The Phantom Battalion, once thought to be lost to time, now stood at her back — ready for war.
But the battle wasn't going to be easy.
To reclaim the throne, she needed allies. And those allies were scattered across the empire, each with their own bloodied history and deadly reputation.
"You're sure about this?" the captain of the Phantom Battalion, Raik, asked as he approached. "Gathering every faction to one banner will only bring more blood. Even your father couldn't control them all."
Eden turned to him, her eyes cold as ice.
"We're not here for control. We're here for victory."
The wind whipped around her, but it couldn't move her resolve.
---
By nightfall, Eden and her commanders had gathered in the war tent. Maps and weapons spread out, their faces illuminated by flickering oil lanterns.
"We've sent scouts to each faction," Raik reported. "The Iron Wolves, the Blood Foxes, and even the Sea Raiders — they all await our signal."
Eden nodded, but the war was never going to be that simple.
Her father's betrayal still echoed in every faction's mind. Trust wasn't something easily earned.
"I'll speak with the Sea Raiders," Eden decided. "They won't follow us unless they know the cost."
"You want to go alone?" Raik asked. His voice showed concern.
"I don't need an army to make a deal," Eden replied coldly. "I'll return with them or I'll die trying."
---
Hours later, Eden crossed the black water of the northern seas. She stood on the deck of the **Storm Chaser**, the Sea Raiders' most feared ship, her eyes locked on the leader of the Raiders — Captain Seris.
"You bring a message from the land?" Seris asked with a twisted grin, watching Eden step onto his ship.
"No," Eden replied. "I bring an offer. And a threat."
Seris raised an eyebrow. "Go on…"
Eden's hand slid to the hilt of her sword, and she spoke with quiet fury.
"I bring the return of the Empire. You can join us... or stand against us."
Seris's grin faded.
"You'll need to prove you can hold that empire," he said. "Then we'll talk."
---
Eden didn't flinch.
The game had begun.