Chapter 19: The Knife in the Shadows
The morning began with an omen.
Three ravens circled above the training grounds, their cries sharp and restless. Aria watched them in silence, her hand on the hilt of her blade. In the old ways, ravens meant war.
By midday, the first scout returned—bloodied, limping, and barely conscious.
He collapsed at Aria's feet, gasping, "The north… they struck early. Ambush… just past River's Edge…"
Aria dropped to her knees beside him. "How many?"
"Too many," he rasped. "They knew the patrol route. Knew who'd be there…"
Her blood turned to ice.
Only a few people knew that route.
Only someone from inside.
That night, the council was called to the Hall of Stone.
Candles flickered against the tension that choked the air. Aria stood at the head, eyes burning as she scanned the faces of her elders and warriors. "We've been betrayed," she said, voice like iron. "The enemy knew our path too well."
The room broke into shouts, accusations flying like arrows.
Kael stood by the door, arms crossed, his glare silencing more than a few voices. Nigel leaned against the wall near the center fire, but his eyes never left a particular figure—Elder Toran, one of the longest-serving council members.
"He was in charge of last week's scouting rotation," Nigel said coolly.
Elder Toran bristled. "You think I'd sell out my own pack?"
"You've done it before," Kael growled. "Or do you want us to pull the records from the last war?"
Toran's eyes flashed, but Aria held up a hand.
"No one accuses without proof," she said sharply. "But this council will be watched. Every move. Every letter sent."
And to the silent room, she added, "Anyone who betrays us again will answer to me directly."
Later that night, Aria stood on the ramparts, wind tugging at her cloak. The scent of blood still clung to the trees, though the battlefield was miles away.
Kael joined her, saying nothing.
She leaned on the stone edge, her voice barely above a whisper. "They were just pups… the ones in that patrol."
"I know."
"They never had a chance."
"You'll make sure the next ones do."
She turned to him, eyes shining. "Will I?"
Kael nodded once. "You're stronger now. You're not alone. That changes everything."
In the shadows behind them, unseen, Nigel watched—and frowned. The lines were being drawn, not just on the battlefield... but in their hearts.
End of Chapter 19