Chapter 15: The Crimson Keep

The journey resumed in complete silence.

No one spoke about the ambush.

They didn't need to.

Everyone understood the same thing.

Someone desperately wanted to prevent them from reaching the summit.

By the afternoon of the third day, the trees finally began to thin.

A massive fortress appeared beyond the forest.

Crimson Keep.

Built atop a rocky mountain, its towering black walls stretched toward the clouds.

Hundreds of crimson banners fluttered above the battlements.

Silver-armored guards patrolled every tower.

The fortress looked less like a home...

And more like an empire.

"Impressive," Lucas whispered.

"Or intimidating," Ethan replied.

Sable silently studied the castle.

"I've never seen anything this large."

"Bloodlust is the richest pack in the Eastern Region," Jaxon explained.

"Jasper makes sure everyone remembers that."

As they approached the main gate, dozens of elite guards stepped forward.

Their black armor carried the crimson wolf emblem.

The same symbol Finn had described.

The same symbol engraved on the silver pendant.

"State your names," one captain demanded.

"Alpha Jaxon Docker of Winter Moon."

"Beta Ethan."

"Warrior Sable Embers."

The captain carefully examined them before nodding.

"Alpha Jasper welcomes you."

"Your horses will be cared for."

"Follow me."

The enormous iron gates slowly opened.

Inside...

The fortress was even more magnificent.

Stone roads wound between elegant buildings.

Large fountains decorated every courtyard.

Markets overflowed with expensive fabrics, jewelry, and food.

The streets were spotless.

Servants moved with perfect discipline.

"This isn't just a pack," Lucas muttered.

"It's a kingdom."

Jaxon didn't respond.

Instead...

He carefully watched every guard.

Every rooftop.

Every shadow.

'Someone's watching us,' Drax growled.

'I know.'

They were escorted into the central palace.

The entrance hall stretched nearly fifty feet high.

Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

Marble pillars lined both sides of the room.

Several Alphas from neighboring packs were already gathered.

Conversations immediately stopped as Jaxon entered.

Some greeted him politely.

Others watched him with suspicion.

Sable noticed whispers spreading through the crowd.

"That's the Ash Fang warrior."

"Why is she with Winter Moon?"

"Wasn't she supposed to be dead?"

"Interesting..."

Before anyone could approach them...

A deep, confident voice echoed through the hall.

"Alpha Jaxon."

Every head turned.

A tall man descended the grand staircase.

His black hair was perfectly styled.

His crimson eyes carried quiet confidence.

He wore an elegant black suit trimmed with dark red embroidery.

Every movement radiated authority.

Alpha Jasper Blackwood.

He smiled warmly.

Too warmly.

"Welcome to Bloodlust."

Jaxon stepped forward.

"Thank you for the invitation."

"I'm pleased you accepted."

The two Alphas shook hands.

For a brief second...

Neither looked away.

It wasn't a greeting.

It was a silent challenge.

"You've changed," Jasper said.

"So have you."

"I hope that's a compliment."

"Interpret it however you like."

Jasper chuckled.

"Still direct."

"I admire that."

His attention slowly shifted toward Sable.

"And this must be Warrior Sable Embers."

His smile widened.

"I've heard quite a bit about you."

Sable's instincts immediately tightened.

"From whom?"

"Many people."

"Your bravery during the battle has become... rather famous."

"Strange," Sable replied calmly.

"Considering everyone believed I was dead."

For the briefest moment...

Jasper's smile faltered.

Then it returned.

"Rumors travel faster than truth."

"Apparently."

Jaxon noticed the subtle exchange.

Neither trusted the other.

Good.

That meant Sable's instincts were working.

"Your rooms have been prepared," Jasper announced.

"The summit begins tomorrow morning."

"Tonight, you're my honored guests."

"Please enjoy the hospitality of Bloodlust."

As servants escorted everyone toward the guest wing, Jasper remained standing at the staircase.

His crimson eyes quietly followed Jaxon and Sable.

He didn't stop smiling.

Hours later...

After settling into their rooms, Jaxon met Ethan on a private balcony overlooking the castle gardens.

"Report," Jaxon said.

"Twice as many guards as expected."

"Archers on every tower."

"Most importantly..."

"I've counted at least five assassins pretending to be servants."

Jaxon's expression darkened.

"You're certain?"

"Positive."

"Their hands gave them away."

"Too many weapon scars."

"Then this summit was never about diplomacy."

"No."

"It's a battlefield where everyone is pretending to smile."

At that exact moment...

A soft knock echoed on Jaxon's chamber door.

"Alpha?"

It was Sable's voice.

"May I come in?"

"Of course."

She entered quietly, closing the door behind her.

Her face looked unusually serious.

"I think someone searched my room while I was gone."

Jaxon's eyes immediately sharpened.

"What makes you think that?"

"Because..."

She slowly opened her hand.

Resting in her palm...

Was the silver wolf pendant Finn had given them.

"I hid this inside my travel bag."

"Now it was lying on my pillow."

"Someone knows we found the evidence."