Chapter Twenty-Five: The Ultimatum
Night fell heavy over Blackridge, thick with mist and silent threats.
Rina stood on the battlements, the wind teasing her hair as she stared toward the distant mountains. The red glow of a burning village flickered faintly on the horizon — a grim reminder that the war was no longer just whispers and shadows.
Kael approached silently, his presence grounding but tense.
"They sent a message," he said. "Three villages razed. No survivors."
Rina's jaw clenched. "They want to break us before we can fight back."
Kael's eyes darkened. "They want you. The Ravenspell flame."
A chill slid down her spine.
From the shadows stepped a tall figure, cloaked and masked in darkness — the raven woman.
Her voice was calm, cutting through the night like a blade. "Alpha Rina, you hold the power to save your pack. Or destroy it."
Rina squared her shoulders. "Speak plainly."
The woman's smile was cold. "I offer you a choice. Surrender the flame. Hand over your power. Or watch those you love burn."
Kael growled low, stepping protectively beside Rina.
But she raised a hand, halting him.
"No more running," she said. "If they want war, they'll get one."
The raven woman nodded, almost approvingly. "So be it."
As she vanished into the night, Rina turned to Kael, fierce and unyielding.
"This is no longer just my fight. It's ours. Together."
Kael met her gaze, the fire between them reigniting.
"Together," he echoed.