ALARIC'S POV
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
The drumbeat thundered through the forest like the heartbeat of some ancient beast buried beneath the earth.
Each strike shook the night air, rolling through the towering pine trees that surrounded our territory. The flames at the center of the clearing leapt higher with every beat, crackling wildly as sparks spiraled upward into the dark sky.
Around the fire, the men moved, bare skin gleaming beneath the blaze of orange light, sweat trailing down hardened chests and carved shoulders as they danced in ruthless rhythm.
Their boots pounded against the dirt, shaking the ground beneath us.
They moved with an infectious zeal, sweat gliding down their masculine frame. Some carried axes raised toward the heavens.
Others gripped hunting spears stained from b
