MasukSome of the men faltered. Others, driven by hunger and fear, rushed forward anyway.The clash was brutal. Steel met steel. The sound of grunts, shouts, and bodies hitting the ground filled the air. Without magic or shifting, everything came down to skill, strength, and sheer will.Osman fought close to the carriage, his movements precise and controlled as he deflected one attacker after another.The Alpha King decided to split their convoy, choosing caution over pride. His own group moved ahead disguised as simple merchants, their armor hidden beneath travel cloaks, their banners stripped away until nothing remained but wagons, crates, and weary-looking men.It was a calculated risk.
Candice let out a long, quiet sigh as she stared out the carriage window, her fingers absently combing through Ash’s soft fur.The small wolf was curled comfortably on her lap, eyes half closed, completely unaware of the heaviness weighing on her chest.“What’s wrong?” Melva asked gently. She sat across from Candice, watching her with concern.Candice usually rode ahead on horseback with Osman, always alert and stubbornly independent. Choosing the carriage today was already unusual.Candice’s shoulders lifted in a small shrug as she finally turned away from the window. “My stop is nearing…”Melva
Simon nodded. “Yes. Her name is Melva.”A faint smile tugged at Riela’s lips. “You marked her?”“Yes,” he answered. “I did.”She laughed softly, a sound filled with genuine happiness. “Simon, that’s wonderful.”He looked relieved at her reaction. “She’s with Lady Althea and the Alpha King right now. Once everything settles, I plan to introduce her to you. I know you’ll like her.”“Oh?” Riela teased. “You sound very confident.”Simon smiled despite himself. “She’s kind.
“I know enough,” Elior replied calmly. “Because the God who created heaven and earth knows you. And He sent me.”The fire between them crackled, sparks rising into the night.“There are many who call themselves gods,” Elior said, his voice steady and firm. “But they are nothing more than shadows and idols. False gods and powers that only borrow and imitate what they did not create. Only one God formed the heavens, the earth, and every living thing within them.”He lifted his staff slightly, resting it against the ground. “Surrender to Him. Not to fear. Not to darkness. Not to pride. But to the One who is eternal.”Gavriel swallowed. “And if we do?&rdq
Zander stiffened slightly. “You speak as if you’ve seen it.”The man smiled, faint but knowing. “I have heard enough.”Gavriel crossed his arms. “And what makes you think we’d allow a stranger to walk with us?”The old man met his gaze without hesitation. “Because this journey is not only about war,” he said. “And you know it.”That landed heavier than any accusation.“You carry a woman between life and death,” the man went on, nodding toward the carriage where Althea rested. “You march toward a house built on secrets and old sins. And both of you,” his eyes move
The journey to Velmora began in silence, not the peaceful kind but the heavy, uncertain silence.Everything had changed the moment that blinding radiance faded, the world felt stripped bare. No hum of magic in the air. No pull of inner wolves beneath their skin. No familiar strength thrumming in their veins. Even the mages stood frozen in disbelief, hands trembling as they tried and failed to summon the simplest spark.They were all ordinary now. Humans.Zander was the first to give the orders, his voice steady even as his eyes reflected the same unease everyone felt. With shifting gone and magic sealed, they had no choice but to travel as the old kingdoms once did.Carriages, chariots and horses. The army reo







