Silverwind was silent as night fell. The silence was broken only by the low hoot of an owl and the distant rustle of pine trees. As though anticipating the revelation of secrets, the moon hung low, observing.
The cool air made Roman's breath mist as he stood at the edge of the training field. He didn't have a torch lit. For what he had to say, light was not necessary.
Soft footsteps came up behind him. He didn't look around. He recognized her already.
"Roman," Serafina spoke in a soft yet urgent tone. Ever since the seer's warning, you have been aloof. since the burned map was discovered. What do you not tell me?
He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes before slowly turning to look at her.
His voice was hoarse as he said, "I should have told you earlier." "However, I didn't want you to perceive me in a different way."
She took a step forward. "I won't. I need the truth, no matter what. Not only for us, but also for the future.
He inhaled deeply before starting.
"Roman Duskfang is my real name, the one I never use. The last daughter of the Duskfang line, formerly a proud noble house of Nightwind, was my mother. Until they were taken by the Hollow Alpha.
Serafina's eyes grew wide, but she remained silent and allowed him to go on.
She ran away prior to the fall. expecting a child. stalked by her own family. Deep in the borderlands, she took refuge with a renegade enclave. Serafina, not all rogues are criminals. Some are survivors, rebels, or exiles.
Serafina whispered, "She raised you there."
He gave a nod. "Among wolves who prioritized code over blood." They taught me how to fight and withstand the whispers of the Hollow. However, the Hollow Alpha dispatched his acolytes after learning that a Duskfang child was still alive.
Roman's pain-shadowed eyes gazed up at the moon.
"They arrived at night. Everything was burned. In order to protect me, my mother died. Few of us made it out alive. I was fifteen years old."
Heart aching, Serafina took a step forward. "And you didn't tell anybody?"
He gave a sour smile. How could anyone believe a wolf with Hollow blood? My past and my name are curses. What remains of a bloodline that once aided the darkness is what I carry.
She extended her hand and touched his. You don't serve it, though. You disobey it.
He gave a headshake. "You're not getting it. I assumed the seer was referring to your marriage to Thomas when she said, "Two hearts forced will burn a forest." What if, however, she meant me? What if everything burns down because of my bond with you?
There was a long pause. The moonlight was a boon to them, softening them.
Serafina then fully grasped his hand.
"No, Roman. The Hollow Alpha feeds on shame, fear, and silence. He is not you. You serve as evidence that a cursed line can rise again.
For the first time in years, he felt a little lighter on his chest as he met her eyes.
She went on, "We need you—your strength, your truth—if we're going to fight what's coming." as well as your blood. because its meaning will be rewritten.
Roman swallowed hard, his throat full of emotion.
Then, Serafina, I promise you. I'll fight alongside you through whatever comes. even if my own shadow is involved.