The Grave Alpha stepped over the last of his fallen, his heavy boots striking sparks on the black stone.
Up close, his presence was suffocating. The runes carved into his armor glowed faintly, pulsing in a rhythm that matched the slow, deliberate thud of his steps. His mask — bone-white and shaped into a predator’s skull — tilted toward her as if assessing prey worth killing.
Her wolf’s voice was a low snarl. Do not flinch.
Riven dropped from the western tower, landing between them in a crouch. His sword was already drawn, silver catching the dying light.
Kaelen stepped out from the shadows at Elinora’s side, his smile a dangerous curve. “You came all this way for one little shard?”
The Grave Alpha’s voice was deep, resonant. “For what it unlocks.”
Elinora lifted the Spine so it caug
