By dawn, the snow was red.
Kael returned to the fortress of Frostmere, the ancient citadel built into the mountain's side. Its halls were carved from ice and stone, its banners heavy with the mark of the wolf.
The guards bowed low as he passed, their eyes avoiding his. None dared meet the gaze of the Alpha Prince.
But waiting in the throne room was someone who feared nothing—the Alpha King, Kael's father.
He sat upon the throne of bones, his fur cloak draped like a storm behind him. His eyes were gold—cold, calculating.
"You disobeyed the call," the King said.
Kael dropped to one knee. "The humans crossed our border. I acted as protector."
"You acted as murderer," the King snarled. "The Treaty of Three Moons forbids open slaughter. You've broken balance again."
Kael clenched his fists. "They broke it first."
The King rose, towering above him. "And so the blood of man will call hunters from every kingdom. You've doomed us all."
Kael's voice was quiet. "Then I will bear it."
The King's gaze softened for a flicker—then hardened again. "You will bear nothing. You will be stripped of your command."
The words struck like frost through bone.
---
Kael turned to leave, but the King's voice followed him.
"Until you learn mercy, you are no Alpha of mine."
The great doors closed behind him, echoing through the frozen halls like thunder.
In the shadows above the throne, Lyra watched again—eyes filled not with pity, but with something far more dangerous.
Curiosity