The scream ripped through the night, shattering the fragile silence.

  For a heartbeat, the entire camp was frozen in place.

  Then—chaos.

  ?

  The Camp Awakens

  A horn blared from the centurion’s tent, the deep, urgent sound rolling over the camp like a shockwave.

  “AMBUSH!”

  The cry came from multiple voices at once, panic and fury mixing as men scrambled from their blankets.

  Legionaries stumbled in the darkness, grasping for their weapons, their shields, their helmets. Some were half-dressed, still shaking off sleep, their eyes wide with confusion.

  Lucius didn’t hesitate. He was already moving.

  “TO ARMS! FORM UP!”

  Optio Varro’s voice cut through the chaos, but the camp was in disarray.

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  The Parthians were already among them.

  ?

  Flames in the Dark

  A torch hit the ground nearby, its flames licking across the dry grass. Shadows twisted and stretched, revealing shapes that shouldn’t be there.

  Figures darted between the tents, their curved blades flashing.

  A legionary near the fire barely had time to turn before a raider’s sword carved into his back. His cry of pain was lost in the roar of men clashing, shouting, dying.

  Lucius saw a Parthian warrior rush past the barricades, his movements fluid, deadly.

  Too fast. Too close.

  Lucius lunged, his gladius flashing in the firelight.

  Steel met flesh.

  The raider gasped, stumbling forward, his blade falling from his grip. Lucius yanked his sword free, blood spraying across the trampled dirt.

  No time to think. No time to breathe.

  More were coming.

  ?

  Marcus and the Line

  Marcus was already at his side, scutum raised, gladius ready. His eyes were wide, breath ragged—but steady.

  “They’re everywhere!” Marcus shouted, parrying a strike before slamming his shield forward, knocking his attacker off balance.

  Lucius cut the man down in one swift, brutal motion.

  “We hold the line!” Optio Varro bellowed, forcing a cluster of recruits into formation.

  Legionaries locked shields, pushing forward against the surge of raiders. The campfires cast long, jagged shadows, flickering against the horror unfolding around them.

  Steel rang against steel. Men cried out in pain. The scent of blood and smoke thickened in the air.

  Lucius fell into place beside Marcus, raising his shield.

  His heart pounded, but his mind was clear.

  This wasn’t training.

  This was survival.