LOGINThe gates of the House of Aetherion stood wide open. People watched from the walls in tense silence. No magic filled the air, no shifting, only steel and men stood ready.Gavriel stepped forward first. He removed his cloak and handed it to Simon without a word. The weight of the sword in his hand felt different now. He could feel every ounce of it, every strain on his muscles. Once, this blade would have been an extension of his Lycan strength.Now, it was simply steel. And yet, he felt calmer than he ever had.Across the open ground, Archon Lemuel Cross emerged with a slow, confident stride. His armor gleamed darkly, ornate and heavy, more ceremonial than practical. A smile curved his lips as his gaze swept over Gavriel, then Zander, then
Gavriel stayed beside Althea, holding her close every time the convoy stopped to rest. He slept lightly, always half awake, as if his presence alone could keep her tethered to this world.If magic and shifting were still possible, the Cross Clan would have already been buried beneath the earth by his hands. The banner of Althea’s bloodline should have been raised over the House of Aetherion by now, restored to where it belonged.He did not know how many days had passed anymore. Time blurred on the road. Yet one thing was clear to him. His patience had grown in ways he never thought possible.Before, he would have demanded answers, forced outcomes, crushed anything that stood in his way. Now, he simply watched her chest rise and fall, steady and quiet, and t
Some 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







