Lightning split the sky above Severin's mountain fortress.
Sera stood atop a ridge, eyes locked on the obsidian ramparts below. Her cloak whipped behind her. Beside her, Noah adjusted his gauntlets, jaw tight.
“Ready?" he asked.
“No," she replied. “But that never stopped me before."
He almost smiled.
Behind them, Shadowvale's reclaimed army waited—veteran warriors, young wolves, spirit-linked packs. Banners fluttered: the daisy and the howl.
Sera raised her hand. “Strike fast. Break the gate. Find the blood altar."
Rowan stepped forward. “And Severin?"
Her voice sharpened. “Mine."
---
The vanguard charged.
Noah led the front with ruthless precision—Silverflame discipline honed by desperation. Arrows flew. Siege ladders slammed into stone.
Sera moved through the chaos with her h
