Chapter 14: Journey to Crimson Keep

The first rays of sunlight spread across Winter Moon as the castle gates slowly opened.

Six elite warriors waited beside their horses.

Beta Ethan adjusted the saddle on his black stallion while checking everyone's weapons one last time.

"Food?"

"Packed."

"Medical supplies?"

"Packed."

"Silver weapons?"

"Ready."

"Good."

Jaxon emerged from the Alpha House dressed in a dark leather coat trimmed with silver fur.

His sword rested against his hip.

The silver crest of Winter Moon gleamed across his chest.

Every warrior immediately bowed.

"Morning, Alpha."

"Morning."

Moments later, Sable stepped into the courtyard.

She wore the cloak Jaxon had given her.

Underneath, her light armor had been repaired by Winter Moon's blacksmiths.

Her sword rested comfortably against her back.

Several warriors smiled respectfully.

Only a week ago, they had viewed her as an enemy.

Now...

She had earned their respect.

"Looks like our blacksmith did a decent job," Ethan joked.

Sable examined the polished armor.

"Better than decent."

"I'll have to thank him."

"He'll pretend it wasn't a big deal," Ethan laughed.

"But he'll brag about it for months."

Even Jaxon allowed himself a small smile.

The atmosphere felt lighter than it had in days.

Still...

Everyone knew the journey ahead could change everything.

"We're leaving," Jaxon announced.

"Stay alert."

"Trust no one until we're home again."

"Yes, Alpha."

The horses began moving.

Winter Moon slowly disappeared behind them as they entered the dense pine forest.

For the first few hours, nobody spoke much.

Only the sound of hooves echoed along the narrow trail.

Eventually, Ethan rode closer to Jaxon.

"We'll reach Stone Creek by sunset."

"We'll camp there."

"Good."

"Any sign we're being followed?"

"Not yet."

"Keep checking."

"Always."

Further back, Sable rode quietly beside one of the younger warriors named Lucas.

"You're surprisingly calm," Lucas admitted.

"Should I be nervous?"

"We're riding into Bloodlust territory."

"That's usually where people become nervous."

Sable smiled faintly.

"Being nervous won't change what's waiting for us."

"Might as well save my energy."

Lucas chuckled.

"You're definitely starting to sound like our Alpha."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Absolutely."

Around midday, the group stopped beside a crystal-clear river to rest the horses.

Several warriors began filling water skins.

Sable knelt beside the river, splashing cool water across her face.

Jaxon walked over.

"How's the shoulder?"

"Almost healed."

"Don't push yourself."

"You're starting to sound like Naomi."

"That's a dangerous comparison."

"She'd probably agree."

Both of them laughed quietly.

The sound drew curious glances from Ethan.

He smiled to himself.

'About time,' he thought.

After lunch, they continued their journey.

By late afternoon, the forest became unusually quiet.

No birds.

No insects.

Only silence.

Jaxon immediately slowed his horse.

'Something's wrong,' Drax warned.

'I smell wolves.'

'So do I.'

"Everyone stop," Jaxon ordered.

The warriors instantly surrounded the group.

"What's happening?" Lucas whispered.

"Listen."

Everyone became still.

Nothing.

That was the problem.

The forest was never this silent.

Suddenly...

An arrow shot from the trees.

It struck the ground inches from Ethan's horse.

"AMBUSH!"

More arrows rained down from every direction.

"Shields!"

Warriors raised their shields as horses reared in panic.

Figures dressed in black masks burst from the forest.

There were at least twenty of them.

None wore pack colors.

"Protect the Alpha!" Ethan shouted.

Steel clashed against steel.

Jaxon drew his sword and blocked an attack aimed at Sable.

"Stay close!"

"I don't need babysitting," she replied, parrying another strike.

"Good."

"Because I wasn't offering it."

They fought back-to-back.

Their movements flowed together naturally.

When Jaxon blocked an attack high...

Sable struck low.

When Sable stepped back...

Jaxon covered the opening.

Without speaking...

They fought like partners who had trained together for years.

'The bond is guiding us,' Drax growled.

'I can feel it.'

One masked warrior charged directly toward Sable.

Before Jaxon could reach her, she spun gracefully and disarmed him.

Her sword stopped against his throat.

"Who sent you?" she demanded.

The man laughed.

"You're already too late."

"For what?"

"The summit..."

"...was never about peace."

Before anyone could stop him...

The assassin bit down on something hidden inside his mouth.

Foam spilled from his lips.

Seconds later...

He collapsed.

Dead.

Poison.

Jaxon stared at the body.

"Again..."

"They're eliminating their own people."

The remaining masked warriors immediately retreated into the forest.

Within moments...

They had vanished.

Only silence remained.

Ethan walked toward the dead assassin.

"No insignia."

"No identifying marks."

"Professionals," Jaxon muttered.

Sable looked toward the road ahead.

"If they're trying this hard to stop us..."

"Then whatever waits at Crimson Keep is even more dangerous than we imagined."

Jaxon slowly nodded.

"Which means turning back is no longer an option."