Night settled over Blackthorn like a living thing. The wind howled against the stone walls, slipping through narrow gaps and carrying the scent of pine, iron, and distant wolves. From the high window of the chamber Rex had given her, she could see the valley below—dark, vast, guarded by flickering watch-fires that marked the pack’s perimeter like a ring of stars fallen to earth. She wrapped the thick fur-lined blanket tighter around her shoulders. This wasn’t a guest room. It was a stronghold chamber—solid stone, heavy wooden beams, iron fixtures forged with purpose rather than beauty. The bed was large, the hearth already lit, the air warm but alert, as if the room itself was standing watch. Blackthorn didn’t sleep. It guarded. A soft knock came at the door. Her heart jumped before she could stop it. “Come in.” Rex entered quietly, closing the door behind him. He’d shed his cloak and weapons, but not his vigilance. Even without armor, he filled the room—grounded, commanding,
Last Updated : 2025-12-25 Read more