KAEL – POV
I tightened my cloak against the chill that wasn't entirely cold. Cassia lay trembling at Ayla's feet—bloodied but alive. The emissaries froze, their allegiance wavering as our world shifted beneath their feet. I knelt beside Cassia, voice low but unyielding.
"Tell me what happened," I demanded.
Her eyes wild, she choked out, "They... Council loyalists... ambushed us at the border. They seized Rylan. They called me… to bargain."
Ayla leaned over her, eyes silver, voice soft yet unblinking. "Who took him?"
Cassia's lips cracked. "The Seer General… he wants Luna's power in blood."
My wolf roared in my spine. I stood swiftly, fists clenched, aura taut with promise. Emissaries made subtle moves—grasping robes, uncertain glances.
The tallest priest swallowed. "That was not sanctioned. We oppose it."
I did not lower my tone. "Then prove it. Send warriors. Rescue Rylan. Do not speak again without action."
