Chapter 30: The Crossroads Call
The dawn brought no light.
Not even the sun dared pierce the veil of ash now curling around the Vale. It moved like smoke, alive and restless. The pack stirred uneasily, sensing the shift. Something wasn't right.
Kael stood in the courtyard, the Oathstone glowing behind him, barely keeping the creeping dread at bay. His golden eyes scanned the dark horizon, drawn not by sound—but by instinct.
Then, the system flared in his mind.
> System Alert:
Critical System Path Selection Unlocked
Event: Crossroads Call
Two paths lie ahead. One must be chosen.
🔻 Path of Dominion
Lead with fear. Conquer all rival packs. Awaken bloodline strength through absolute control.
🔸Reward: Advanced Chaos Skill – "Command Howl" (Forces submission of lower-ranked wolves)
🔺 Path of Unity
Seek alliances. Grow through honor, trial, and shared strength. The pack becomes a sanctuary.
🔸Reward: Advanced Chaos Skill – "Heartfire Bond" (Amplifies strength based on trust link)
Time Remaining to Choose: 24 hours.
Warning: Delaying will result in chaotic divergence.
Kael froze.
It wasn't just power now.
It was identity.
He turned as his inner circle arrived—Flam, Tamir, Milla, Harn, even some of the younger fighters. They stood quiet, waiting. Even they could feel the pressure in the air.
"What's going on?" Flam asked.
Kael didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he walked toward the edge of the ridge and pointed. Far below, distant figures moved. Black-furred wolves. At least two dozen.
Rogues.
Not from any known pack. Scar-marked, ash-painted. They wore no insignia but bore the scent of madness. The same Kael had smelled in the Scar. The same that clung to the name Ravaryn.
"They're coming," he said, voice low.
"Who?" Tamir asked.
Kael looked up, fire flickering behind his eyes. "The ones we woke up."
---
That night, as the crimson moon began to rise again, the pack gathered.
And Kael stood at the center, his hand over the Oathstone, a decision still burning in his soul.
Two paths. One choice.
The fate of the Crimson Howl would never be the same.
> System Reminder:
Path Decision Imminent. Trust your blood, Alpha.