Semua Bab STAINED BY THE MOON : Bab 11 - Bab 20

Gavin's POVThe black hawk arrived at dawn.I watched it circle twice before landing on the council room's window ledge, its wings flecked with dust and moonlight. The red silken thread tied to its leg caught the early light, Sha'fang's mark.The guard brought it to me. The bird's yellow eyes were sharp, unblinking, as I untied the scroll.The message was brief. Cold.‘Your river runs dry until vows are sworn.Wed my daughter, or watch your people thirst.’: ‘Release Marcus to his mother, and the water flows again.’I read it twice. The parchment crinkled in my tightening grip."Your Eminence?" The guard waited."Gather Marrok and Fenric. Now."****They arrived quickly. The council room felt emptier with just the two of them, but the tension was thick enough to choke on.I threw the scroll onto the table. "Lord Lucas has blocked our water supply."Silence. Then Marrok swore viciously."The aqueduct that feeds into our territory," I continued, keeping my voice level. "He's diverted it.

Lily's POVI stood before King Gavin in his chamber, Veyla, Marathiel, and Elta flanking me. His expression was grave as I spoke."Your Majesty, we're ready to survey the eastern water system."Gavin nodded. "How many will you need?""Veyla, Marathiel, and Elta," I said. "Veyla has scientific knowledge. Marathiel can identify any herbs or resources we find. Elta knows the terrain."Before Gavin could respond, the door opened. Fenric entered without waiting for permission.My stomach tightened."Your Majesty," Fenric said smoothly. "If you're sending slaves into potentially dangerous territory, perhaps additional security would be wise."Marrok's jaw tightened. "They've drank the oblivion water, no need”Fenric stepped forward, fingers twitching at nothing. "Additional precautions wouldn't hurt”Gavin's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're suggesting guards?""I'm suggesting trusted individuals who can ensure nothing... unfortunately occurs." Fenric's gaze flickered to me briefly. "Slaves h

Lord Lucas’s pov "Search every room." My boots struck stone as I moved through the corridor. The guards fanned out behind me, their torches throwing wild shadows across the walls. The first door splintered under a guard's boot. I watched from the threshold as they tore through the room, overturning the bed, ripping open chests, driving spears into sacks of grain. A maid pressed herself against the wall, shaking. "Nothing, my lord." I moved on. Door after door. Room after room. A servant dropped a clay pot when I entered the kitchen. It shattered across the floor. No one moved to clean it. "Check the ovens," I said. "The cold stores. Behind every barrel." The cook's hands trembled as she stepped aside. Nothing in the kitchens. Nothing in the armory. Nothing in the chapel, though the priest's face went white when my guards thrust their spears behind the altar cloth. We climbed to the residential wing. "My lord," one of the guards hesitated at the base of the stairs. "Thes

Lord Lucas's POV"The northern district refuses, my lord.""Refuse?" I looked up at my steward. "On what grounds?""They claim the current taxes already leave them unable to feed their families through winter. They say an increase would mean starvation.""They always claim starvation." I leaned back in my chair. "Yet somehow they manage to gather in the square every week to listen to that singing girl."The steward shifted his weight. "The people are... restless, my lord. Since the execution...""The execution was justice." My voice came out harder than intended. "Lady Isabella committed treason. The law is clear.""Yes, my lord. But the people…""The people will pay the increased tax or face consequences." I stood, moved to the window. The courtyard below was empty. It had been empty since that day. People avoided walking past the spot where the bull had stood. "Send notices. The tax increase takes effect at the end of the month. Those who refuse will have their property seized.""My

Lord Lucas's POVI lunged forward, claws extended, catching my opponent off-balance and slamming him into the packed dirt of the training yard. He rolled and came up snarling, fangs bared, and I met him head-on, our bodies colliding with enough force to crack ribs if either of us had been weaker."Better," I growled, circling him. "But you're still telegraphing your moves."He feinted left and I caught his arm, my claws digging in just enough to draw blood, twisting until he dropped to one knee. The other knights around the yard had stopped to watch, some in full wolf form, others bare-chested and barefoot.Heavy footsteps approached from behind, and I released my sparring partner."My Lord!"I turned to find one of my soldiers jogging across the yard, breathing hard."What is it?""A messenger, my lord. From Emberfang. He carries a white flag and... something else."My claws retracted slowly. The training yard fell silent."What else?"The soldier swallowed. "A cage, my lord. With a