The frozen tundra softened into rolling hills dusted with old snow. By midday, the first sign of civilization appeared on the horizon—
—wsssshh—
—a thin plume of gray smoke curling into the pale sky.
Kai slowed his pace, eyes narrowing.
"Town ahead," he said. "Eldridge. We resupply, gather information, then disappear."
Aurelia walked beside him now, no longer leaning on his shoulder. Color had returned to her face, though faint crimson lines—like delicate veins beneath glass—briefly surfaced beneath her skin whenever her power stirred. Her black dress had been crudely mended with strips from Kai's spare cloak, giving her a patchwork look that only made her seem more unreal.
"Humans," she murmured, as if tasting the word. "It has been… a very long time."
"You'll pass," Kai said. "Mostly. Just don't summon butterflies or look at people like you're judging their souls."
She arched a brow. "I wasn't planning to."
He almost smirked.
They followed the main road—packed snow, frozen ruts from wagons. A rotting signpost loomed ahead:
ELDRIDGE – 2 MILES
Fresh tracks cut through the snow beneath it.
Heavy boots.
Many of them.
Kai's fingers twitched near Thieving Haven's hilt.
"Military," he muttered.
"Trouble?" Aurelia asked quietly.
"Possibly. Eldridge sits near the Northern Coalition border. They've been hunting bloodline awakeners lately—calling them 'void-touched' to justify it."
Her silver eyes flicked to him. "And you?"
"Wanted in three provinces for sect massacre." A pause. "Different reason."
She said nothing.
The town gates rose ahead—thick timber bound in iron, watchtowers flanking either side. Coalition banners snapped in the wind: a white wolf on blue. Guards stood alert, more than a frontier town should need.
One raised a gauntleted hand.
"Halt. State your business."
Kai kept his voice level. "Travelers. Shelter and trade. Coming from the south."
The guard's gaze slid over Kai's worn armor, the sword on his back, then lingered on Aurelia.
"Your wife looks ill," he said. "There's a healer—"
"She's fine," Kai cut in. "Long road."
Another guard called from the tower. "No weapons drawn inside the walls. Curfew at dusk. Coalition decree—unauthorized bloodline use will be punished."
Kai nodded once.
The gates opened.
Eldridge was larger than it looked—stone-and-timber buildings clustered tight, narrow streets twisting inward. Chimney smoke hung heavy. The scent of bread and roasting meat mixed with pine resin and horse dung.
People hurried.
Merchants closed stalls early. Mothers pulled children inside.
Fear.
And something else.
Anticipation.
"This town's braced for violence," Kai muttered.
Aurelia's gaze drifted across rooftops and alleys. "I sense fear… and blood. Recent blood."
"Helpful," he said dryly.
"Not without risk," she replied.
They reached the central square.
A crowd had gathered.
A raised wooden platform—usually for announcements—stood occupied by Coalition soldiers.
And a stake.
Charred wood.
Ash scattered at its base.
Kai's stomach tightened.
An officer stepped forward, voice amplified by discipline and authority.
"…another void-touched cultist brought to justice! The Coalition will not tolerate corruption. Report suspicious bloodline activity. Rewards will be paid. Safety guaranteed."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd—some approval, many uneasy.
Aurelia's fingers brushed Kai's arm.
Through the bond—
cold fury.
They burned someone, she sent. Alive.
Kai stiffened at the intrusion but didn't pull away.
Lock it down, he replied silently. We're not starting a war.
Not yet.
They slipped away into side streets and found an inn—The Frosted Mug. Warm light spilled from its windows. Laughter. Clinking tankards.
Inside, the common room buzzed with tension disguised as cheer.
Kai paid for a corner table and a room upstairs with the last of his coin. The barkeep—a thick-armed woman with sharp eyes—served stew and black bread without questions.
They ate quietly.
Then—
"…saw it myself," a drunk nearby slurred. "Girl couldn't have been more'n sixteen. Started glowin' blue in the market. Soldiers dragged her off screamin'."
"Coalition's right," another muttered. "Void's spreading again. Beasts massin' north."
The third leaned closer. "And somethin' big happened out there yesterday. Sky lit up blue. Like dragon fire."
Kai's spoon stopped midair.
Aurelia met his gaze.
Calm.
Alert.
Patrols doubled, the drunk continued. Trouble's comin'.
Kai stood. "We're done."
Upstairs, their room was small.
One bed.
One chair.
One narrow window.
Kai barred the door and checked it twice.
Aurelia sat on the bed, cloak tight around her shoulders.
"The awakening was felt this far," she said. "It's accelerating."
Kai leaned against the wall. "We rest. Leave at dawn."
She hesitated. "The bond strengthens with proximity."
He sighed. "I'll take the floor."
She studied him. "Sharing warmth stabilizes us both."
A beat.
"…Fine," he said. "But if you steal the blanket, I'm throwing you out the window."
A faint smile touched her lips.
They lay back-to-back, space between them, the bond humming softly.
After a while—
"Your rage burns bright," Aurelia whispered. "But beneath it… grief."
"Don't," Kai said quietly.
"I am not prying."
Moonlight silvered her hair.
"You lost everyone," she said.
"Yes."
Silence.
"I watched worlds die," she whispered.
Eventually, her breathing slowed into sleep.
Kai remained awake.
Outside—
—clang—
A bell tolled.
Curfew.
Then—
—soft clink—
Boots on rooftops.
Kai sat up slowly.
Shadows crossed the window.
Searching.
He reached for Thieving Haven.
Aurelia's eyes opened instantly.
"They found us," she said.
Kai stood.
"Then we don't wait for dawn."
Outside, steel whispered.
The hunt had begun.