Embers In The North

Reyna’s gasp was muffled as Seth’s grip tightened around her throat. His presence was chilling, his body rigid. His lips brushed against her ear, his words dripping with threat.

“Well?” he hissed.

She clenched her teeth, refusing to give him the satisfaction of struggling. “Get off me!” she managed to spit out as she summoned Ator; she felt her appear behind Seth.

Seth chuckled quietly, his hand still firmly around her throat. “Now why would I do that? We were finally making progress,” he taunted.

The warmth of his breath on her skin and the way he’d slipped his left hand around her waist only infuriated her further. She despised it when males thought they could put their hands on her. Roth, on the other hand… she couldn’t get enough of him, even though she warned him not to touch her.

An enormous Howler appeared before her, its appearance making her gasp. The Shadowbeast was pure white like Ator, but much larger, with a flowing mane that nearly swept the ground. Its eyes bore into her, intense and icy blue, narrowing in a snarl as it emitted a thunderous roar that seemed to shake the earth. Reyna shut her eyes tightly, the cold gust from its breath brushing against her face.

As Ator moved protectively to her side, Seth’s Howler shifted into a battle-ready stance, its focus fixed on her Shadowbeast.

From the corner of her eye, Reyna noticed Ator standing ready to defend her. Even though Seth’s massive and magnificent Howler lacked her magical abilities, she wouldn’t risk any harm coming to Ator.

“Get that thing away from Ator,” she snapped.

Seth’s grip slackened, allowing her to slip free. She rubbed her throat gently, then hurried over to Ator, stroking Ator’s cheek before turning back to Seth, who stood beside his Howler, arms folded, watching her and Ator.

“I’ve always thought a Luna’s Shadowbeast was magical. Your Ator moves like lightning; faster than any Shadowbeast I’ve ever seen. So why worry about her facing my Howler?” Seth smiled. “I’d wager you believe my Howler is stronger.” He stepped closer to her. “You don’t truly understand what a creature made of shadows is capable of, do you? You are overestimating yourself and underestimating your most powerful weapon.”

She eyed him, then glanced at Ator, considering Seth’s words. Ator was capable of amazing things, but could their connection unlock even more?

Seth chuckled. “Considering you never got to live with the Elders to learn the ways of the Luna as you should have, you barely know your true capabilities. That, Moltenroar, is your greatest weakness.”

“I’ll be on my way now, so buzz off!” she retorted.

“No. I assume you’re accustomed to getting your way and barking out commands, but that’s not how this will work. You’ll do as I say, or you will regret it. And keep your hands to yourself. Luna or not if you strike me again, I will put you in your place.” Seth interrupted, and his Howler snorted, underscoring his threat.

As Reyna sneered, she asked: “Is it not madness to acknowledge Ator’s abilities and taunt me all the same?”

“It is something,” Seth replied, his voice full of menace. “But, it appears you are yet to grasp that your beloved Ator cannot attack an Alpha. Have you not figured that out?”

Her gaze darted between Ator and Seth, the realization settling like a stone in her chest. Ator emitted a low, acknowledging growl.

“I am aware,” she fibbed. “But I don’t need her to get past you. Now move, you infuriating Thorin!” She stepped forward, determined to make her point, and Ator reluctantly stepped aside.

Seth’s Howler advanced toward her, but Ator took a step forward and let out a resounding howl, halting the creature in its tracks. As the stand-off between the Shadowbeasts lingered, Reyna thought about what Seth had said. It wasn’t surprising that Shadowbeasts could recognise Alphas and couldn’t attack them, although she would have loved to have known beforehand.

Seth’s Howler, though formidable, hesitated under Ator’s gaze.

“I take it you don’t care about your Fleet or Bandos?” Seth asked.

“You need me more; I have no use for you. You want to get to the conclave just as much as I want to protect them.” Reyna’s gaze remained locked on Seth.

“Once again, Moltenroar, you overestimate your worth. You are an Icehelm, blood of Fenrir! Subject to the Alphas, blood of Odin! The command of a Thorin Alpha rules you, Reyna! You really don’t know the power an Alpha wields over his territory, do you?”

Her heart pounded, but she fought to maintain her composure, to keep the doubt from her eyes.

“Answer me!” Seth’s bark sliced through the air, his eyes gleaming with a blinding intensity as he advanced toward her.

Reyna’s breath hitched. She squeezed her eyes shut, her lips pressed firmly together, resisting the pull of his command. Her heart raced as she realized she wasn’t impervious to all Alpha compulsions. Apparently, not to a Thorin Alpha.

It gnawed at her that Roth, the Alpha of Aupheadia, could command her if Seth could. He had deliberately chosen not to exert such control over her, and she didn’t understand why.

“Oh, the joy it will give me to drive a blade through your stupid head!”

Reyna’s voice, though laced with defiance, betrayed a hint of desperation as she fought against Seth’s Alpha command. Beads of sweat formed on her brow. This was an unsettling reminder of the power Alphas held, a reminder that even she, the Luna, was not entirely immune to it.

Seth’s low, satisfied purr only heightened Reyna’s frustration. She could feel the pull of his command, a relentless force pressing against her. She clenched her fists, determined not to succumb.

“You can prattle on all you want,” Seth smiled, his voice dripping with mock sweetness. “But remember, Reyna, I can make your every breath an agonizing struggle if I so choose. I suggest you reconsider your defiance.”

Reyna’s jaw tightened, but she forced herself to remain silent. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her break.

“Now, let’s go,” he said, his voice carrying a threat. She slowly followed as he led her out of the alleyway, her steps heavy.

As they passed the mountain’s cove, a distant echo of footfalls reached her ears as both their Howlers vanished. Footsteps landing on the snowy ground. The Fangs she had sensed on the ridge, the ones who had been lurking, were now descending.

Were they following them into the mountain, or was someone approaching? With each step, she hoped Roth didn’t leave his Fleet behind and ride out to find her… would he?

Seth stopped and she did too. Silence stretched as he stood motionless. Reyna watched his broad back, her senses heightened. She could feel the energy in the air, the pulse of his presence, and it made her aware of how he’d managed to track her without detection. He was attuned to the subtlest shifts, a master of stealth.

As the moments passed, his heartbeat slowed to a near-imperceptible rhythm, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. It was then that Reyna understood his method. He was listening, not just to her, but to the commotion outside. She followed suit, straining to discern the distant sounds.

Shouts echoed in the distance, muffled and indistinct before several Fangs entered behind her. She looked over her shoulder, counting the figures: two unmistakable Icehelms, their distinctive azure Fang suits marking them as Uriel’s loyal Fangs. Questions swirled in her mind. What were they doing, serving Seth? In retrospect, she realized he had not even denied inviting Roth and Decker.

As Seth turned, his huff echoed in the crisp air. “This should be over quickly. Stay here,” he said to her.

“Why did you invite Decker and Roth to Frostcall?” Reyna asked him.

He halted in front of her, his eyes piercing hers. “You seem quite chummy with those who invaded our territory when we were at the helm of power and massacred an entire pack under the guise of a solstice celebration!”

“Isn’t this a forgotten matter? Why cling to old grudges with such resentment?”

“Forgotten!” Seth roared.

As soon as the words escaped her lips, Reyna realized her mistake. In the North, old wounds never heal. They never forgave the Maynords for annihilating the Thorin House. Her resentment towards Roth was a result of that.

With a rueful shake of her head, she admitted, “Apologies. I only meant to spite you.”

Before Seth could respond, one of the Icehelms interrupted with a message. “Alpha, the Krelon Fleet is approaching.”

Reyna cut off Seth’s response. “Seth, I apologize,” she huffed. “I couldn’t possibly understand the horrors you had to endure because of what the Maynords did.”

“Alpha we–”

“If a Fleet approaches, form a bloody wall to cut them off. You’re Fangs for Odin’s sake!” Reyna snapped.

“Form a wall, fend them off!” Seth growled and they obeyed, shooting out of the cave. “We continue on our way,” he said to her and turned. “You’ve been here before I hear.”

She fell into step beside him, taking the lead. “This puts me at a disadvantage,” Reyna admitted. “All I know is that a Thorin named Seth survived, and you are known as the berserker Thorin. Nothing else. Yet those conniving Warmasters have informed on me and my father for as long as they’ve sworn allegiance to you.”

“What’s your point?”

Reyna stood her ground and turned to face Seth. “You have never been through the ice mountain, but you know I have,” she said matter-of-factly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“If–”

“My point is, it wouldn’t kill you to admit you need me. I may overestimate myself a lot, but I could easily and intentionally lead you to your death here and you wouldn’t even know it. This Alpha command wouldn’t count for much then, would it?”

Seth approached her, his voice impatient. “Again I ask, what is your point? And keep in mind that I know this game you’re playing. Biding time with such hogwash, so your beloved Maynord can rescue you.”

“I don’t need him to rescue me, Seth. That is what I’m trying to say. You’ve brought these loyal Fangs out here to die for a fight you will not win,” Reyna retorted. “Noble and undeniable as your motive is, revenge is hardly a valid reason to incite war. It solves nothing! It makes you no different from the Maynords who would go as far as wiping out an entire pack and an entire bloodline.”

The expression on Seth’s face was unreadable as he remained silent.

“If revenge is all you seek, set those Fangs free and confront Roth yourself. It’s why the Hero’s Forge exists! Leave Frostcall, Egranox, and everyone else out of it,” Reyna urged.

“Keep your twisted opinions to yourself! I won’t warn you again. Now, let’s get going.” He waited for her to move.

Reyna shook her head. “No. I’ve had it with you. If you’re going to keep disrespecting me, find your own way through here. I’m not some low-ranking Fang you can force under your bloody jackboot just because you’re a Thorin. Odin’s balls, if ranks and titles are all there is, I rank right there beside you! So, I will not move! Ask me for my help and do it the right way, son of Thorin or get the fuck out of my way!”

He growled low in his throat, but Reyna met his challenge with a defiant snarl, her Ember blazing to life, casting a fiery glow around her that forced him back a few steps.

“Do not provoke me, Seth! I will gladly show you you’re nothing!” she roared, her Ember pulsating with intensity. The heat was searing, but she embraced it, letting it surge through her as Seth backed further away.

“Hmm, the Suncrest Ember,” Seth murmured. “You’re a hybrid; quite unusual.”

Reyna watched him warily as he folded his arms across his chest, propping his chin on his knuckles. His gaze was piercing, studying her intently.

“Explains why both Alphas were escorting you to the conclave,” he mused. “You’re a hybrid Luna.”

Then, as Reyna gently eased Ember to sleep, she said, “Stop the stand-off outside.”

“I won’t stop those Fangs from spilling Redfall blood,” he spat. “It would be best if you stayed out of my way!”

Reyna growled, and when he moved to face her, she could see the intent in Seth’s eyes, the command poised on his lips. She didn’t give him the chance. With a powerful stomp of her foot, an ice column shot up, propelling him out of the cove. She followed, striding purposefully out of the mountain.

Seth staggered to his feet, but before he could regain his bearings, she summoned another column, sending him tumbling again. He groaned, struggling to rise.

Reyna’s gaze swept across the field and she saw the stand-off between Magnus’ Fleet and the Ulan Shire Fleet. Krelon flags fluttered in the wind where Decker and Roth stood alongside Magnus, now staring at her.

Frustration and confusion churned within her. Why would they do something so reckless after Decker called her out on that?

A command rang out from Seth’s Fleet, urging the Fangs to capture her. Her eyes darted back to them, a smirk playing on her lips. “Oh, you can try,” she taunted. “But Suncrest has a better chance of being hit by a hailstorm.”

Ator appeared beside her, circling her slowly, a comforting presence that grounded her. Reyna closed her eyes, surrendering to the embrace of the frost, letting its icy tendrils seep into her veins.

She reached out, connecting with the essence of her territory. The frost responded eagerly, whispering promises of unleashed might. She stretched her senses further, feeling the heartbeats of every Fang on the ridge, their positions, their resolve, all through the ice.

Then, with focused intention, she honed in on Seth and his Fangs. The ground beneath them quivered, transforming into a treacherous sinkhole that clung to their feet like relentless leeches. Cries of horror pierced the air as they were pulled downward.

Amidst the chaos, she singled out Seth. With a forceful push, she suspended him above the ground, watching as his Fangs disappeared beneath its unforgiving surface, leaving only their heads protruding.

The ground solidified once more, sealing them in a frosty prison and Reyna’s eyes snapped open. She hopped into her saddle on Ator’s back. Out of the alleyway, she galloped onto the field beyond the ridge to meet Seth.

“Your move, blood of Odin!” she taunted him, watching as he observed the frozen Fleet, a blend of disbelief and seething rage etched across his face.