Chapter 22: Marching Shadows
378 Words
“The Blood Fang is marching?” Maya repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kade nodded, his jaw tight. “A hundred strong. Maybe more. They left their territory at dawn. They’ll be here by nightfall.”
Maya’s stomach dropped. She thought killing three Shadowborn would buy them time. She was wrong.
“What do we do?” she asked.
Kade crossed the room in two strides and cupped her face in his hands. “We fight. Together.”
His eyes were fierce, but there was fear there too. Fear of losing her.
Maya covered his hands with hers. “Then tell me everything. No more secrets. About my mother, about the Bloodfire, about why they want me dead.”
Kade exhaled slowly. He dropped his hands and walked to the window, looking out over the packhouse courtyard where warriors were preparing for battle.
“Your mother, Lyra Blackwood, was my mentor,” he said quietly. “She taught me how to be an Alpha. She was stronger than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Maya swallowed hard. “And?”
“And she discovered the Bloodfire,” Kade continued. “An ancient power passed down through your bloodline. It can kill Shadowborn. It can seal the rift they’re coming through.”
“The rift?”
“A tear between worlds,” Kade said. “The Blood Fang made a deal with something on the other side. They want to bring it here. If they succeed, this world burns.”
Maya’s hands shook. “And I’m supposed to stop it?”
“You’re the only one who can,” Kade said, turning back to face her. “But using the Bloodfire comes at a cost. Lyra knew that. That’s why she hid you.”
“What cost?” Maya asked.
Kade’s expression darkened. “It takes something from you every time. Memories. Strength. Life.”
Before she could respond, the door burst open.
Caelen stood in the doorway, breathing hard. “They’re here. The Blood Fang is at the gates.”
Kade grabbed Maya’s hand. “Stay behind me.”
Maya pulled free. “No. I’m fighting too.”
Kade stared at her, then nodded once. “Then let’s show them what the Blackwood bloodline can do.”
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