The next day…..
The meeting hall was colder than I expected.
Stone walls loomed high above us, banners of deep crimson and royal silver swaying faintly in the breeze that slipped through narrow windows.
Julius walked ahead, posture straight, cloaked in navy and black. His presence was like a blade—sharp, undeniable. I followed at his flank, sword at my side, posture as professional as I could manage.
We entered the main chamber together again. Alpha Varyn stood at the far end of the long hall, flanked by his own guards. His hair was streaked with gray, his stance solid as the mountain range his people came from. Between us stretched a table adorned with maps, scrolls, and a silver seal I knew could change everything.
I bowed as Julius stepped forward.
"Alpha Varyn," he greeted coolly. "Thank you once again for receiving us."
"Prince Julius," the Alpha returned with equal coolness. "Your father's letter was… quite compelling."
