THE MARK OF THE UMBRA
Nightfall over the eastern ridge of Fresh Meadows bled crimson through the clouds, as if the sky anticipated the blood yet to spill. Deep within the Blackwood ruins, Xavier stood at the heart of the Umbra Pack's makeshift war chamber, a map stretched across a broken altar lit only by flickering lanterns.
Renly knelt beside the stone with charcoal in hand.
Supply caravan confirmed. Leaves the High Court armory at dawn, skirts the Frost Pass, and reaches their front post by mid-afternoon."
Xavier nodded.
"We intercept before they reach the cliffs. Set traps. No deaths unless forced. I want the message louder than a
THE MARK OF THE UMBRANightfall over the eastern ridge of Fresh Meadows bled crimson through the clouds, as if the sky anticipated the blood yet to spill. Deep within the Blackwood ruins, Xavier stood at the heart of the Umbra Pack's makeshift war chamber, a map stretched across a broken altar lit only by flickering lanterns.Renly knelt beside the stone with charcoal in hand. Supply caravan confirmed. Leaves the High Court armory at dawn, skirts the Frost Pass, and reaches their front post by mid-afternoon."Xavier nodded. "We intercept before they reach the cliffs. Set traps. No deaths unless forced. I want the message louder than a
THE MARK OF THE UMBRANightfall over the eastern ridge of Fresh Meadows bled crimson through the clouds, as if the sky anticipated the blood yet to spill. Deep within the Blackwood ruins, Xavier stood at the heart of the Umbra Pack's makeshift war chamber, a map stretched across a broken altar lit only by flickering lanterns.Renly knelt beside the stone with charcoal in hand. Supply caravan confirmed. Leaves the High Court armory at dawn, skirts the Frost Pass, and reaches their front post by mid-afternoon."Xavier nodded. "We intercept before they reach the cliffs. Set traps. No deaths unless forced. I want the message louder than a
PUBLIC RECKONINGCouncil Hall, morning.[The ancient ironwood doors groaned open.]Guard (calling out):"Her Grace, Luna Blythe of Fresh Meadows."A hush swept over the room, like wind before a storm. Nobles turned—not in greeting, but calculation. Murmurs buzzed. A few straightened. A few didn't bother.Lady Marrow (under her breath):"Snakes. Every one of them."Captain Thorne (his hand resting near his sword):
THE BALLAD OF FIRE AND FROSTBlythe's POVFrostgrave. Night. Snow is falling lightly.[Blythe enters, her cloak pulled tight, boots crunching over fresh snow.]Aria (her wolf, murmuring inside):"You're not here for quiet, are you?"Blythe (softly):"I needed space."Aria:"From the council? Or from the truth?"Blythe (pausing, looking around):
The Night Council FracturesRain lashed against the glass domes of the Raven Spire — the secret chamber high above the estate where only the true minds of rebellion dared to gather.Thunder rolled in the distance, nature sensing the divide that now cracked through the heart of the council.Blythe stood at the head of the long obsidian table, her cloak soaked through at the hem, and her eyes lit with quiet fire. Around her, four of her most trusted stood—and for the first time since the rebellion was born, their unity was faltering.Captain Thorne spoke first, arms folded across his chest."The time for st
A NEW ENEMY RISESBlythe's POVThe cold wind of Crimson Park knifed through the silk of my cloak as I stood on the palace steps. The sky overhead was bruised with clouds. Lanterns flickered, casting trembling light over the sea of nobles, guards, and curious eyes that filled the courtyard.Helena appeared at my side, her breath sharp. "My lady… he's here."I didn't need her to tell me. I felt it.The ground itself seemed to tense.The crowd parted with a whispering ripple as Vito strode forward in full ceremonial regalia — a deep crimson cloak edge
THE FIRST ROARBlythe’s POVWhen I stepped through the carved oak doors, the council chamber was a hive of whispers. Chandeliers flickered overhead, throwing gold across marble floors, but beneath the glow, every face was taut with expectation, like wolves waiting for the scent of blood.Vito sat at the head of the table, his fingers folded, his mouth curved into that smooth, infuriating smile, and on either side, lords and ladies leaned forward, their jewels glittering like sharpened teeth.Aria’s voice coiled inside me. “Be steady, Blythe. This is where they will try to break you.”“Let them
Wolves Do Not KneelBlythe’s POVWhen Helena entered my study, the snow was still falling. Her cheeks were pale, and her fingers were fidgeting with the edge of her apron.“My Lady,” she murmured, bowing her head. “There’s someone at the south gate… She says she won’t leave until she speaks with you.”I barely looked up from the letters scattered across my desk. “Tell her to wait.”Helena shifted uneasily. “She… says it’s about the Silverblood line.”My pen slipped from my fin
THE HUNT BEGINSXavier’s POVThe forest was colder than usual tonight.I moved swiftly through the underbrush, my breath visible in the pale moonlight, my boots crunching over frosted leaves. My wolf senses prickled at the edges—something was off. The forest was too quiet, and even the wind felt like it was holding its breath.Aria murmured inside me, a pulse of raw instinct.“We’re not alone.”I ducked behind a fallen log, eyes scanning the treetop.A shadow flickered.