Dawn broke red.
Smoke drifted over the keep. Snow melted into slush beneath broken shields and spent arrows. Bodies lay still—some rebels, some loyalists.
At the front gate, Severin stood tall, untouched by battle.
He raised a scroll. “I come with an offer."
Noah, bandaged and bloodstained, approached with sword in hand.
Severin unrolled the parchment. “Execute the imposter. Publicly. Today. In exchange, the Silver‑Moon Alliance will withdraw. No more siege. No more blood."
Whispers rose among the council. Sera stood beside Rowan, her face unreadable.
“She's not the imposter," Noah said.
“Perception is power," Severin replied coolly. “And perception says you're protecting a fraud."
Councilor Alwin spoke up. “Alpha Noah… if we lose alliance support, we lose supplies. Border packs w
