Misguided Wolves

4. Ambush in the Neutral Lands

The weeks following the failed negotiations blurred into chaos. Luka’s warnings about King Charles proved true—Vintr’s forces struck swiftly, overwhelming Fror’s border villages. Though King Mark had begun preparations, he hadn’t anticipated such speed. The captured villages now suffered under Vintr’s rule, with rumors of slave camps where prisoners toiled and those who caught the princes’ eyes were forced into harems. Kate’s stomach churned at the thought, her resolve hardening to secure Logi’s aid in the south.

She and Tove had debated fiercely, finally agreeing that, if necessary, Kate would offer a marriage pact with Logi’s young king, recently ascended and seeking a queen to lead his pack. It was a bargaining chip, but Tove growled softly, “The Moon Goddess has a mate for us. Don’t settle for duty alone.” Kate sighed, torn between hope and obligation.

At dawn, maids packed Kate’s luggage into a sturdy carriage, its wood carved with lunar runes that glowed faintly in the morning mist. Dean prepared his horse, a massive beast darker than the night sky, its coat a stark contrast to his fiery red hair and freckled skin. He caught Kate’s eye and made an exaggerated bow. “Ready for this diplomatic journey, my lady?”

Kate rolled her eyes at his mock formality. “That speech doesn’t suit you.”

Dean grinned, gesturing to his freshly polished armor. “I figured, looking the part of a dashing knight, I’d try sounding like a gentleman.”

Kate laughed. “Even Beth would say you’re no gentleman.”

Dean clutched his chest, feigning hurt. “My wife thinks I’m the most gentlemanly man in Skoll!” He winked, and Kate’s laughter echoed as they finished preparations.

With two warriors flanking the carriage, they set off, avoiding compromised borders by taking the neutral lands dividing Skoll’s north and south. These lands, shaped like an hourglass on maps, were framed by rugged mountains and bisected by a dense forest. Trade routes threaded through, patrolled by northern and southern warriors, but rogue bands—those loyal to no kingdom—lurked in villages and caves, rumored to have their own shadowy leadership. These rogues often preyed on travelers, and Dean’s sharp eyes scanned the trees, his hand never far from his sword.

Days passed without incident, the forest’s canopy casting dappled shadows on the road. As they neared Logi’s border, a child’s cries pierced the air. Dean halted the group, his posture tense. Kate, hearing the sobs from the carriage, stepped out and saw a boy, no older than seven, standing alone in the road. His pale face was red and puffy, his dark hair tangled to his shoulders, clothes torn, and feet bare. He looked starved and unwashed.

Kate’s heart clenched, and she ran to him, kneeling. “It’s okay,” she cooed, rubbing his back. “Are you alone? Lost?”

The boy sniffled, then flashed a sinister smile. “Don’t worry, they’re not far.” He let out a sharp bird call, a signal.

Pain seared Kate’s side as an arrow struck her. She gasped, clutching the wound, blood soaking her shirt. The boy darted into the woods as a pack of wolves emerged, snarling. A tall, slender woman with short dark hair and pale skin stepped from the trees, bow in hand. “Your friend James sends his regards,” she sneered. “Enjoy the aconite.”

Kate’s vision blurred, her thoughts muddled as the wolfsbane’s poison burned through her. Tove howled in her mind, fighting to stay conscious, but darkness claimed her. The wolves lunged at Dean and the warriors, who drew their weapons, steel clashing with claws.

“Kate!” Dean roared, cutting through a wolf to reach her. She lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling from the wound. He gently removed the arrow, hoping her werewolf healing would kick in, but the aconite slowed it, crimson gushing relentlessly. A warrior tossed him a cloth, and Dean wrapped the wound tightly, his hands shaking. Scooping her up, he carried her to the carriage.

“Move!” he bellowed. “To Logi’s castle—now! They’ll have a healer!”

The carriage jolted forward, racing toward Logi as Kate’s life hung in the balance.