LOGINCandice 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
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
“Nothing,” Melva replied instinctively. “I was just finishing preparations.”Simon’s frown deepened. It was obvious that he didn’t believe her.“You don’t feel like nothing,” he pointed out. “Not through the bond.”She sighed, shoulders sagging just a little. “I didn’t mean to let it slip,” she replied. Then she bit her inner cheek as she contemplated whether she would tell him or not about her worries…“That doesn’t answer my question.”She looked at him then, really looked at him, and the words she had been holding back finally surfaced.







