Misguided Wolves

26. Blood and Bargains

The days dragged like an eternity, each moment heavy with the shadow of Ara’s death—family lost—and the looming battle with Vintr. Kate had sent Fror’s civilians south to Logi, where Hova’s temple and Jackson’s warriors guarded them in the sprawling grasslands, rune-carved stones glinting under the stars. A strong contingent of Fror’s best fighters remained in Logi to protect the evacuees, a precaution in case the borders couldn’t be reclaimed. Doubt gnawed at Kate—she felt like she was conceding defeat, as if Fror was already lost. She sighed, slapping her cheeks to banish the negativity, Hova’s prophecy anchoring her: “Do not rush into what is in your sights, for that will mean a future painted in red. Play it smart—what seems a loss today could mean a win tomorrow.”

Kate dressed deliberately: loose pants under a flowing skirt to signal her regal presence on the battlefield, sturdy leather boots for mobility, and a crown braid to keep her long hair secure. Dean helped strap on her lightweight leather armor, thick enough to deflect fatal blows without sacrificing speed. She secured her silver short sword at her hip, its hilt etched with sun-and-moon runes. Turning to Dean, she caught his proud gaze.

“We may not speak again for a while,” Kate said, voice soft but firm. “Thank you for training me, for being there—especially after mating and having your pups. After this, I hope you and Beth find a quiet life in Logi.”

Dean scoffed, grinning. “A quiet life makes you old and fat, little pup. Beth’s fine with my ways. Now quit dawdling—your troops are bored waiting while you play dress-up.”

Kate rolled her eyes, following him to the courtyard. Her father, King Mark, greeted her with a warm smile, pride shining in his eyes. He enveloped her in a tight hug, his familiar scent soothing her nerves. “You’re breathtaking, Kate—and a bit intimidating.”

She leaned into his embrace, squeezing back, savoring the moment. Luka approached, squeezing Mark’s shoulder with a tight smile. “Sorry, your majesties, it’s time.”

Kate and Mark shared one last hug before parting. Mark stepped before the troops, his voice resolute. “This won’t be easy…”

****

The march brought Vintr’s army into view over the horizon, a dark tide against Fror’s borders. Kate expected nerves, but a strange calm settled over her, Tove’s presence steady in her mind. This was where she belonged. Weeks of mental preparation had steeled her for this moment, Ara’s loss and Deborah’s charm fueling her resolve.

King Charles sat atop his gilded horse, his gem-encrusted armor gleaming ostentatiously, intricate designs weighing him down. Kate marveled he could move at all. His smug grin faltered as he raised his spear, signaling his troops to charge, while he remained safely behind. Typical, Kate thought, gripping her sword.

She and Mark stood side by side, raising their swords in unison, leading Fror’s troops into battle. Though outnumbered, their warriors were seasoned, far outmatching Vintr’s inexperienced recruits—many barely older than Kate, likely untested in combat. Following their strategy, they aimed to subdue rather than kill, sparing the young soldiers where possible.

A large young wolf barreled toward Kate, his movements sluggish. She used her speed, crouching as he pounced and slamming her sword’s hilt into his gut. He yelped, curling up on the ground, then staggered up, snapping his teeth. He charged again, aiming low. Kate smiled, leaping to nick his back with a minor wound, hoping to deter him. His yelp turned to a growl, undeterred.

“Please, you don’t have to do this!” Kate urged. “You’re just a pup—I don’t want to hurt you!”

The wolf ignored her, charging again. Kate aimed a roundhouse kick, but he caught her leg in his jaws, flinging her to the dirt. The impact knocked the wind from her, but she wiped the dirt off, grinning. “You’ve got tenacity. I hope to recruit you one day, pup.”

As he pounced again, Kate struck his head with her hilt, knocking him out. His limp body collapsed on her, and she struggled free, huffing. “Till next time.”

Kate fought through Vintr’s young warriors, avoiding lethal blows where possible. Some stubborn fighters left her no choice, their deaths weighing on her—misguided souls lost to Charles’s greed. Then, a familiar figure caught her eye: Bex, the dark-haired werebird who’d nearly killed her with an arrow months ago, now smirking as she aimed her bow.

Kate raised her shield, blocking the arrow, and advanced, cutting down foes with precision. Bex tossed her bow aside, drawing two silver daggers. “I should’ve killed you on that road.”

Kate rolled her eyes. “Then we wouldn’t have this charming reunion.”

Bex lunged, jaw clenched. Kate deflected with her shield, but Bex swept her leg, toppling her. Kate swung her sword, slicing Bex’s shoulder. Bex gritted her teeth. “I’ll enjoy killing you!”

She tackled Kate, strangling her with fierce hatred. Kate grabbed Bex’s hair, jabbing her injured shoulder. Bex screeched, slamming Kate’s head into the ground. Vision darkening, Kate threw dirt in Bex’s eyes, forcing her to release her grip. Seizing the moment, Kate slashed Bex’s neck with her claws. Bex’s eyes widened as she fell back, lifeless.

Gasping, Kate retrieved her sword and shield, rejoining the fray. A glance showed Fror’s troops gaining ground—one final push could end it. Then her world froze. Mark, weakened, was surrounded by Vintr’s warriors, forced to his knees. Castiel and Charles approached, murderous intent in their eyes. Charles smirked. “This suits you, Mark. I offered an easy way out, but you were too stubborn.”

He raised his sword. Kate sprinted, screaming, “STOP!”

The blade halted inches from Mark’s neck. Castiel turned, smirking. “Nice to see you, Princess. You look breathtaking, even here.”

“I know you want me alive,” Kate said, standing tall. “I’ll come willingly and call off our troops, but only if my father lives—unharmed.”

Charles fumed. “You’re in no position to demand, girl!”

Kate scoffed, meeting his gaze. “Accept, or I kill you, even if it costs my life.”

Charles faltered, fear flickering. Castiel, amused, said, “Deal. You’re cleverer than you look, Princess.”

“Son!” Charles roared. “I’m king! I decide!”

“Take the deal, Father, or we lose Fror—and our lives,” Castiel snapped.

After tense silence, Charles relented. Kate mind-linked Jackson, Dean, and Luka: Take Father and the troops to Logi. Now. Dean hesitated but obeyed, leading the retreat before Vintr could interfere. Castiel handed Kate a blue vial. “It won’t kill you—just insurance.”

Kate recognized aconite, meant to suppress Tove and make her docile. She’d prepared for this. Goodnight, Tove, she thought, drinking the liquid. Emptiness flooded her as Tove’s presence faded, the poison severing their bond. Charles raged, slamming his sword into the ground. “I had him! They escaped because you couldn’t resist!”

Castiel pinched his nose. “Not now, Father. Without the Princess alive, Fror’s ours. We’ll deal with this later.”

Kate stifled a laugh—they didn’t know Fror was empty, its people safe in Logi. She sent a prayer to the Moon Goddess, thanking Hova’s prophecy for guiding her to save them. Her own fate mattered little now—her loved ones were safe. That peace made it all worthwhile.