ra'

ir like a storm waiting to break. I carried a basket close to my chest, weaving past neighbors who offered their polite smiles and sharp whispers in equ

n skilled

ke frost over a windowpane, stilling laughter and pinning everyone in place. One by one, village

t in measured rhythm. Shadow

Al

e undeniable. His cloak swept the air like a wing of darkness, and his gaze, sharp as glass, scann

an man, a wolf who carried the ruin of his bloodline on his shoulders. Children were warned to keep ou

ers prepared me for the

er. They were silver, gleaming like the edge of a blade beneath moonlight. They ca

not loo

handle until it creaked. A tremor worked its way down my arms, but I forced

e and blood, a man who ruled through fear. And yet, something pulled at m

owed to him and me. His eyes dragged across my face with the weight of recognition,

t away, and I co

shades of iron and steel. I heard snippets of their hushed tones-warnings, curses,

d he se

t the edge of the road, and something deep within them called me. I thought of the claw marks carved into the tree

e forest's hunger. They were of silver

yes, and the forest pressed closer with every breath of wind. I sat by the fire,

t cracked the heavens. My hands were drenched in blood that was not my own. They came as t

y

isitors. Slowly, I rose, my feet carrying me to the threshold. When I ope

ere. Only the w

line beyond the path,

art s

there.

a had fo

tinct screamed that I should run, that his world was fire and fangs, and m

een in a way that frightened me more t

d, and the darkness see

low, carrying my name as t

cut through me

he know

ing. For a heartbeat, I thought he might speak again, but instead he

rway, my blood burning with

Silver eyes against fire. A wolf's snarl tearing th

e doorframe, gasping, I kne

ha had

as not l

her of them fully understands is beginning to awaken. The shadows around Bloodm