Embers In The North

Reyna’s eyes snapped open, greeted by the familiar sight of their makeshift tent’s ceiling.

The last two seasons, since Roth rescued her from the collector’s path, had been a ceaseless evasion from the relentless pursuit of the Graypelts. Aligning forces with the priestess of the Wilderwood village, their journey now led them south, travelling beneath the concealment of thick clouds. Along the way, they had amassed a diverse group, including Highthaws and Redfalls, as they moved discreetly from one cloaked camp to another - but not one Icehelm.

Frostcall, located in the northern expanse of Aupheadia mirrored Kuntheas and found itself directly within Cridius’ grasp. Seizing the chance, he targeted the Icehelms, confining them to an undisclosed location.

Now, their new pack was settled in a rocky valley beyond the Avian Cliffs to rest and gather supplies before resuming the next leg of their journey toward the city of Ithiria.

Their plan was to make Ithiria - and the port beyond - their final destination.

Glancing at Roth, peacefully asleep beside her, Reyna exhaled a sigh. With the addition of Aupheadia wolves and Wilderwood mages to their pack, things were even more complicated. Being responsible for their safety troubled her, especially considering the Graypelts’ relentless pursuit—Cridius’ unyielding quest to reclaim her.

She understood that, for Cridius, this had become a matter of pride. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing his mate to what he considered an inferior Redfall Alpha. He was willing to send out countless warriors to find them, fuelled by his wounded ego.

Odin’s ruins! What terrible timing to finally assume the role of Warmaster.

Her dreams were even more troubling. Each time she closed her eyes, she found herself trapped in Cridius’ dreams, leaving her disoriented and shaken. She couldn’t figure out if it was a malevolent spell cast by Iris or something else at play. The dreams unfolded vividly, presenting moments that left her bewildered and exposed. It was an intrusive invasion of her mind, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of being trapped.

Never before had her path felt so uncertain, and she couldn’t see what lay ahead.

As Reyna lay there, listening to the slumbering pack, the nagging feeling that her dreams held more than just the remnants of a wayward spell persisted. Mariana, the priestess of the Wilderwood, might have the answers she needed.

Under Mariana’s guidance, she was mastering her abilities; all of them and she had successfully cloaked the pack on her own a few times. But it was a double-edged sword, as it also seemed to provide Cridius with a means of tracking them. She needed to find a way to sever that bond or he would always find them.

Seeing the first rays of light filter through the cracks in the tent’s roof, Reyna knew they couldn’t stay put. They had no respite from the Graypelts, and their protection was just a temporary safety net. She gently roused Roth, watching as his eyes slowly opened, and he greeted her with a warm smile.

We need to keep moving.

Reyna intended to tell him, as she had done countless mornings. But today was different. She was drained. The constant chase had taken its toll on their pack, and she could see the burden of something unspoken in Roth’s eyes. Dark bags rested under his weary gaze, and he always seemed lost in thought with that haunted and distant expression.

Something had changed between them, and the distance left her unsettled. They needed to talk about whatever was bothering him. Tempting as it was to pry into his thoughts, she resisted the urge.

“Trouble sleeping again?” he asked, sitting up on the bed.

She sighed. “What else is new?”

Reaching out, he gently caressed her cheek, a silent reassurance that they were together in this struggle. “We’ll find a way through this,” he said softly.

“How exactly will we do that if we keep running?” Reyna pulled away from Roth’s touch, her frustration boiling over.

Hands on her hips, she stood at the foot of the sleeping cot. “Roth, I’m done running. It’s time to send Cridius a message. For once, let the Graypelts catch up so we know what we’re up against and show them what we’re capable of.”

His brows furrowed. “If we confront them, our people could die,” he argued quietly.

“If we carry on like this, they’ll die anyway,” Reyna snapped. “They must have figured out where we’re headed by now and will try to box us in. It’s how I would do it. Let’s stop acting like we’re not wolves like them. We’ve got mages on our side and we can hurt them and heal us.”

“Reyna, they mean to take you back to Cridius, and I cannot imagine what he intends to do to you for all this,” Roth whispered.

“Maybe they should take me back!” Reyna shot back bitterly. “It’ll save the pack from all this misery!”

If she had to face Cridius and the Graypelts alone to end this, she would… she will.

Taking a deep breath, Roth stepped closer to Reyna, his eyes locking with hers. “I don’t want to see you get hurt,” he said softly. “And I won’t let them take you back to Cridius either. We’ll find a way to protect our pack without sacrificing you.”

As their eyes locked, her heart raced. His stunning mismatched irises shook her to the core like they always did. Then, reaching out, he slowly brushed a wayward strand of hair off her forehead, his touch lingering with his familiar warmth. It felt like every breath he took was for her — every touch he made branded itself onto her skin. But despite her feelings for him, she couldn’t ignore the ever-present sense of dread that had haunted them since that fateful night on the collector’s path.

“You keep saying that but all we’ve done is run and I wonder if we’ll ever stop running. If we don’t take a stand here, they’ll follow us to Ithiria and bring war to us,” Reyna said.

Roth nodded. “If that’s what-”

“I want this,” Reyna interjected firmly. “Tell me why you won’t beseech the god you swore fealty to cloak us. If he was powerful enough to lift you from Cridius’ tower and put you on that path, then he can help us.”

In response to her question, he stepped back and groaned as he massaged his temple. What was making him so anxious?

“What does he want?” She knew there was more to Roth’s hesitation than he was revealing. “What does the old pestilence want?” When Roth turned to face her, she continued, “I heard Mariana call him that when you two were off whispering.”

“That’s not his name, and I don’t know why she calls him that,” Roth countered. “I have read of the old pestilence in the Carpre Librium halls and he was a dark god with only the power to destroy.”

The mention of the Carpre Librium halls brought a rush of bittersweet memories—Egranox, her Fleet and her father. Reyna longed for the chilling cold of Frostcall, a stark contrast to Kuntheas’ stifling heat and couldn’t imagine what Cridius would have done to Bandos. Her head throbbed with worry when she thought about her Fleet, Lance, and Decker who were still captured.

Still, Roth’s struggle was front and centre and it broke her heart. Being the Alpha of wolves lost in a foreign land, she knew the burden he carried. She also saw the conflict in his eyes, torn between loyalty to this new god and what was best for the pack. Roth renounced Odin to save her, and whatever cross he chose to carry alone was hers too. This was all her fault, and she had to live with the guilt.

“You don’t have to face this alone,” she said softly, stepping closer to him and placing a gentle hand on his arm.

He looked down at her hand, then up into her eyes, and she could see the hesitation and uncertainty he was trying to hide.

“We’re in this together. Let me help you with whatever you need,” Reyna added.

Squeezing her hand, Roth nodded, his eyes softening as he gazed at her.

“What does he want?” she asked. “We’re in a tough spot here - Odin still wields influence with both the wolves and the mages, so who do you align yourself with now?”

“He wants your allegiance, only yours,” Roth whispered, meeting her gaze. “In return, he promises to grant us whatever we desire.”

Upon hearing the god’s offer, a spark of hope flashed in her eyes and her lips pursed into an ‘O’. This presented a potential advantage against the Graypelts, a chance to turn the tide with the god’s offer.

“Reyna, you are the first and only hybrid to rise in Kuntheas. Before now you were simply a myth,” Roth continued. “A hybrid in Kuntheas capable of wielding the essences of all four wolf breeds - something no wolf has ever achieved before. He wants us to join as mates and bring a new era for the wolves under his rule.”

Roth looked around the room with a grave expression. “This alliance may seem attractive, but there may be potential implications, which is why I didn’t tell you,” he said. “We can’t make this decision without fully understanding what it means for us, our pack and Kuntheas.”

There was no way to predict the results of such an agreement, but they had no other option. It was a relief to know that there was finally a way forward.

“That’s one less thing to worry about,” she said with a smile, but the smile soon faded as Roth’s words hit. “No, Roth, I can’t mate with you. You know that.”

“You’re a hybrid Luna,” Roth whispered, his voice barely above a breath. “You can unite four wolf packs by mating with each of their Alphas - one for each kind of wolf.” He paused briefly before continuing, “That is why Petunias wants your allegiance; he believes you can bring all four breeds together under your leadership as Luna of Kuntheas.”

Her mouth dropped open in disbelief. “A female to lead Kuntheas? That’s unheard of!”

Roth nodded his head slowly. “I’m aware, it won’t be easy - all four breeds will oppose it.”

Though she wanted to bring balance between male and female, the prospect of being responsible for uniting all four wolves was intimidating. She didn’t want any more weight on her shoulders than necessary. On the one hand, this gave her a glimmer of hope that things could improve; however, on the other hand, it also filled her with apprehension.

“How long have you known about this? And why didn’t you tell me about this Petunias’ request?” she asked.

“I’ve known since we met the mages, but I didn’t want to burden you until I was sure of it,” he replied. “I know how much this running hurts you; I feel it and I know you. You would accept this request in a heartbeat just for a reprieve, however brief.”

Reyna cupped Roth’s face in her hands and searched his eyes. She sensed something was wrong, and her azure ability began to stir in response to their bond. Noticing this, Roth attempted to break free from her grasp, but she refused to let go.

“Don’t,” he said in a silent plea.

Despite his plea, curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t resist delving into his mind. This time, it was a completely different experience - her power had grown and every thought of his was laid bare before her. No secrets were kept from her sight and she could clearly hear the voice in his head as if it were coming from him directly.

“He’s in your head?” she murmured in shock.

Roth looked away, unable to meet her gaze as he confirmed her suspicions. “Yes,” he admitted reluctantly. “Petunias has been in my head, urging me to persuade you.”

Reyna Moltenroar, finally we meet.

“Reyna, stop it now,” Roth said.

She blinked rapidly, forcing her azure ability away. Then she stared at Roth as she drew her hands away. The idea of a god invading Roth’s thoughts was unsettling, and she couldn’t fathom the extent of Petunias’ influence over him.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked.

“I didn’t want you to worry,” Roth replied as his jaw clenched. “That and I wasn’t sure what to make of it either.”

“You shouldn’t keep these things from me. You keep telling me we will figure things out, and you keep a potential means to do so from me and everyone else. It’s unfair.” Reyna combed her fingers through her hair with a huff.

It was almost morning and if they wanted to get out before any Graypelt scouts found them, they needed to move now. But waking up, she already knew she was done running, perhaps this was why.

Reyna was certain that Petunias would provide her with the power she needed to challenge Cridius and give the women of Kuntheas a chance. “I’m sure I’ll stand to gain what I truly desire,” she said, “and make a stand against Cridius if I, too, accept Petunias.”

“You should take a moment to think this over,” Roth suggested.

“I did and I cannot ignore this. There’s no time to waste,” she said. “We must demonstrate that we are capable of keeping our pack safe and secure, which is growing in size as more Aupheadia wolves and mages join us. How do I pledge my allegiance?” Reyna walked back to him.

The tent suddenly filled with the sound of a peculiar wind, and they looked around. As it swirled around them, Roth clasped her hand tightly in his own. When at last the gust had passed, she opened her eyes to look around the tent once more.

“What was that?” Reyna asked.

“He wants you to hold out your hands,” Roth said to her.

Reyna extended her hands, palms up, and as if guided by an unseen force, her Koi appeared out of nowhere and hovered in the air over her palms, the glow intensifying. See the white staff made her smile; finally, she had her Koi and they could stand against the Graypelts. But it slowly morphed colours to a sparkling, long black staff, bigger and heavier and her smile grew.

“Drive it into the ground,” Roth told her and she did.

A mighty wind buffeted her as soon as she did and swept over the entire camp. She heard the mumbling from the wolves and mages within the cloak as her eyes slipped close.

“Now, repeat after me,” Roth instructed, his voice steady. “I, Reyna Moltenroar, swear my fealty to you, Petunias, to only honour and follow you. I accept you and let you in.”

As the words left Reyna’s lips, a surge of energy rippled through the air. The Koi, now embedded in the ground, glowed with otherworldly light and the fabric of reality wavered for a moment.

Petunias’ voice echoed in her mind, vibrating with power that transcended mortal realms. Roth’s eyes met her, his gaze filled with concern. The pact was made, and now they were bound to a god.

I require an offering from you, Reyna.

Petunia said as the air around them settled, and Roth approached Reyna, his hand reaching out to touch hers.

“It’s done,” Roth said.

Reyna took up the Koi and felt the sizzle of power ripple through her once she picked it up. The power of the Koi’s magic radiated through her veins, and she could feel a faint hum of energy in her fingers like she’d been struck by lightning.

“I, too, need something from you, Petunia.” Reyna grinned.

What is it that you need, Luna?

“What? Did he demand an offering from you?” Roth’s brows drew together in a frown as he asked.

“Of course, it is the way with the gods. Petunia is no different,” Reyna said looking her Koi over. “I want my father released from the clutches of Cridius. Can you do this?” she asked and waited, Koi in hand.

You do not need me to accomplish that. With my blessing comes a power that makes you Cridius equal; take up your Koi and vanquish your foe in my name, Luna of Kuntheas.

With a devious glint in her eyes, Reyna gripped her Koi tightly, a surge of newfound strength coursing through her alongside rage.

“Yes! I will free my father and cut down the House of Triston,” she said. “Now, tell me what you want from me, Petunias.”

It is all you have to give, Reyna Moltenroar; your purity.