es on the trail ahead, trying to ignore the weight of the Emberblade on his back and the unease gnawi

n him so serious. Even in their time together, Maelis had always been a quie

y nightfall," Maelis said without looking

escaping him. "The last time I truste

is bigger than you and me, Aric. The world's been changing for a long time. People will

could he trust now? The only thing that seemed certain was t

s. As they neared the foothills of the Greyfall mountains, the air grew colder. A

howl echoed through

wolf," he said,

has many creatures at its c

, just on the edge of their vision. Ar

, his voice steady but unsure. "I

eplied, "but first,

cloaked figures with glowing eyes. The Wraithborn. But these weren't the same three fro

Aric and them. "Stay

im was stirring again, but this time,

ard, its voice a rasping whisper.

but his hand tightened on his s

ithborn

ting in the snow. But Aric could feel the power of the Emberblade now, sharper and more dangerous t

king, he dre

f flame that engulfed the Wraithborn. They shri

ng was empty except for the scor

in his hands, his chest heaving. His mind

ood staining his tunic, but

ly," he said, voice strai

d. It felt like it was alive like it had ta

ess was c