Darkness finally swallowed the day. The fire crackled inside, casting warm shadows on wooden walls. The kids huddled near the hearth, their bodies sprawled, exhausted. Outside, the night was cold and still. The moon was a thin sliver, barely lighting the land, and the wind whispered through the trees.

I sat by the window, eyes scanning the dark forest silhouette. It felt too calm—too easy. The cabin was a haven, but my gut told me peace here was temporary. Maybe I’m too used to wondering when the other shoe will drop.

Micah sat near the door, sharpening his blade with practiced motions, humming rhythmically. Aiden stitched a small tear in his jacket, brow furrowed. When he concentrates hard he bites his lip without knowing it. Cory and Jamie outside keeping watch. Brennan leaned against the wall flipping through a handful of papers.I couldn’t make out what all of them were, but one seemed to be a map. I could tell from the symbols and lines, from mama drawing them on the basement floor.

“I’ll help with first watch tonight,” I said quietly, breaking the silence. Not sure if anyone heard, but my mind raced. I had to do something. Sitting here feeling useless was eating me alive. I’m not trapped anymore, I want to be useful.

Mama Bear, half-asleep by the fire, didn’t stir. The others barely acknowledged me. That didn’t matter. I stood and moved toward the door. I wanted to help. I was old enough to take more responsibility.

Before I reached the handle, Micah’s voice cut through the stillness. It was low, seemed like a warning. “Stay inside,” he muttered, eyes flicking to the window. He was already standing, swift and precise. Aiden grabbed his medical bag and knives, following Micah’s gaze to the dark forest. “Someone’s out there,” Micah said softly, moving to a corner and signaling Aiden to follow.

I froze, heart pounding. I moved closer to the window. Through tree branches, I saw a figure low to the ground, sneaking toward the cabin. Their steps were deliberate, silent. What a first watch this would be. I didn’t even make it to the porch.

I wonder who it is. A rogue. One of the enemy factions, scouting. I’ve only heard bits and pieces from mama and the boys. But why so close to us?

“Stay down,” Micah whispered, motioning for Aiden to back up. “Brennan, get ready. Keep them safe.” Brennen just nodded. He tapped on mama’s shoulder to wake her up. She could tell in a moment something was up. She stood and got ready too.

My breath caught. I could see Jamie slip from the shadows, a blur of motion. The boys didn’t speak—they didn’t need to. Their movements were precise, coordinated, almost unnerving. Jamie disappeared into the dark, following the rogue’s path. Cory circled the other side of the cabin.

I swallowed hard, pulse racing. I knew what was happening, but my instincts told me to be out there. I was about to step outside when Micah’s voice stopped me. “Wait.” Micah and Aiden disappeared out the other door, silent as ghosts.

Seconds stretched, tension thick. My fingers itched, anticipation overwhelming. Then—a twig snapped.

In a flash, the rogue stepped into view, just outside the cabin. Tall, rough jacket stitched hurriedly. His eyes darted to the window, our eyes met then. Mama and I standing like statues, glaring at the man. He broke our gaze first and looked to the door. Mama shifted so that she would be the first thing he encountered if he got that far.

Without warning, Micah lunged from the shadows—a storm. He knocked the rogue down with a thud, fierce and efficient. Cory was on him in an instant, pinning his arms, eyes hard.

“Who the hell are you?” Micah growled.

The rogue struggled, but Cory pressed his knee to the man’s chest.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” Jamie said calmly, stepping out with a knife gleaming in dim light. “I’d answer him if I were you.”

My heart hammered. The rogue, larger than any of them, wasn’t fighting much. The boys were too fast, coordinated. They worked as one.

The rogue’s eyes flicked between the boys, panic rising. The rogue spat at their feet. Cory slammed the back of his hand into the rogue’s head. The man went still. It was the same move the guards had done on mama.

“I’d bet he’s just a scout,” Micah said, wiping his hand on his pants. “Not a threat. But there’s a reason he was lurking. Maybe the smoke from our fire.”

Aiden smirked, wiping his face. “Should’ve known better than to mess with us.”

My eyes darted from one boy to another. I felt something inside click. These guys didn’t hesitate. They didn’t second-guess themselves. They worked together like a finely-tuned machine. Everything about this moment felt purposeful, practiced. They were capable—and I want to be like them. No, want is wrong. I need to become like them.

The rogue scout, now bound and kneeling, had woken up. He glared but said nothing. Fear and respect mixed in his eyes. He wasn’t ready for their quick response.

“We’ll let you go,” Micah said calmly. “But you’re not warning anyone. Understand?” He turned a knife in his hands. Making sure the light made it gleam.

The rogues eyes widened and he nodded. His hands shaking as Brennan released him from the binds.

I watched in silence, the weight of what I’d seen settling in. Sharp, swift, merciless. It felt right. Like something I could stand behind.

“Are you alright?” Jamie asked, eyes on me as if sensing I was there. I realized I’d been holding my breath. I didn’t even realize I stepped outside to join them.

“I’m fine,” I whispered. But inside, I was anything but fine. This was survival. This was fighting back. And I knew—deep down—I was ready. It was exciting. A spark ignited the ember that was deep down in my soul, now there was a flame.

Later, the boys and Mama Bear gathered at the table, poring over maps and plans. I stayed with the littles, but kept my eyes and ears open. I parked myself close enough to watch, to listen, and learn. I was hungry for knowledge and skills I didn’t know was possible until now.

Since last night, we’d mostly stayed inside. A few brief outings through out the day, but for safety, we mostly stayed put. Everyone was rested, but still on edge. The girls whined about not being able to go outside today, but we don’t know if there are others close by. Only the adults and I know what happened last night. No one told them, we didn’t want to scare the kids.

I keep replying everything in my mind. I need to know more. I have to. I want to do what they did. I want to move like they did.

“Hey,” I said to the girls, “can you stay here a moment? I want to go ask them something.” They nodded and kept playing.

I went to the kitchen where the they were all huddled up. All leaning in over the table. Pointing, whispering, planning. As I approached the table they all paused and glanced up at me.

“Can we help you?” Micah’s voice was tense.

“Yes.” I answered pointedly. Mama looked confused, and waited for me to continue.

I took a deep breath, then spilled everything I felt. “I want to learn to fight. To move like you do. To do more. Protect more.” I paused for a moment and sighed. “Want isn’t right. I NEED to.”

Mama’s jaw dropped. I set my jaw and looked each of them in the eye around the table.

“No,” Mama said firmly.

I spun to face her. “Why not?” I squared up, trying to look as determined as I felt.

“Because I’ve been there and done that. That’s not what I want for you.” Her gaze softened. “I want more for you.” She got up to hug me tightly. I could tell she was holding back tears.

“I know. But I want to do more. Protect myself and others. I need to know how.” She sighed and stepped back. She groaned as she sat back down in her chair. She knows she can’t change me or my decision. I was stubborn, just like her.

“I think it’s a good idea, too,” Jamie said, tossing in his opinion. Mama glared at him, he just shrugged. “Last night, she stayed calm. Watched, learned, made sound decisions. I thought she’d panic, but she didn’t.” I smiled proudly.

He looked at me. “You realize it’s going to be hard work. We won’t go easy on you.”

“I know,” I said. “I’m ready.”