THE ALPHA'S RUIN
"But I'm not going alone. And I'm not going unarmed."
Twenty minutes later, Marina stood at the border with Silvain at her side and ten warriors surrounding them. Ragnar waited in the neutral zone, his black fur matted with blood, his obsidian eyes holding something that looked disturbingly like regret.
"Marina," he said, shifting to human form. "Thank you for coming."
"I came to hear information. Not apologies." Her voice was cold. "Speak quickly before I decide you're not worth the risk."
"Fair enough." Ragnar swayed slightly, and Marina realized he was injured. Badly. "I'm dying. Obsidian's shadow magic is eating me from the inside, punishment for..." He stopped, swallowing hard. "For dev