In the private war chamber beneath Silverwind Fortress, the fire was low and crackling. Roman stood close to the fireplace, his hardened face flickering in the orange light. Sensing the gravity of what Roman was about to disclose, Serafina sat close by, silent but alert.
"I haven't mentioned this to anyone," Roman said quietly. "Not even Thomas."
He dropped the armor of stoic composure he always wore and turned to her fully.
He acknowledged, "I ran with a rogue faction called the Hollow Circle before I came to Silverwind." I was only sixteen—lost and angry. My mother passed away from an injury that swelled for too long without pack medicine, and my father had deserted our family.
Serafina didn't interrupt, but her expression softened.
On the edge of the Ashen Reaches, they discovered me," Roman added. "Gave me a brotherhood promise." a reason. And I did believe in it for a while. At first, we weren't savages. Justice for Outcasts was the name we gave ourselves. To identify areas the Council disregarded—areas where outlaws could reside unassisted—we branded trees.
He hesitated, his eyes growing gloomy.
However, the leader—a wolf by the name of Theron—had a transformation. began referring to himself as the Hollow Alpha. claimed that he had been selected by the wild spirits to bring back the "true order." that alliances and Luna ties had tainted the Alphas, making them softer.
Serafina tensed. "The girl said the same name."
Roman grimly nodded. "He must be the one. Or someone assuming his role.
What took place? Softly, she inquired.
Roman's mouth tightened. When they started killing traveling packs and claiming they were Council spies, I departed. I was no longer able to obey commands. I attempted to guide a family of healers out one evening. Theron learned.
Unconsciously, his hand moved to a long-healed scar that ran down his left shoulder as he inhaled.
They used me as an example. They left me for dead in the cold and beat me half to death. Two days later, Thomas found me. brought me in. Had been what I was.
Serafina got up and moved in closer. "You were attempting to act morally. That is the only thing that counts.
Roman continued. "Perhaps. However, I now question whether they have come back because they feel I deceived them. He pointed to the burned mark she had brought back, saying, "If this—" isn't just about territory, but revenge.
"We will confront them," Serafina stated resolutely. "With each other."
The unspoken tension between them glistened in the firelight as their eyes locked. However, a knock on the chamber door interrupted the moment before either could take any action.
A guard entered, breathless and pale. "My Lady. Lord. Another symbol has appeared, this time on the fortress's outer gate.
Roman's expression darkened. "They are no longer warning us."
Serafina spoke in a cool, authoritative tone. Next, we get ready. For the spirits of your past, as well as for them.
The chilly wind outside screamed through the trees like a foreboding omen.
However, a fire had been started inside, and Serafina's determination was stronger than before.