THE LAST SONG OF GRIMMOOR

THE SUNDER AND BONE BRIDGE

The Sunder

A thousand years ago, the first wolves carved the Sunder using old earth magic. They split the land open, filling the chasm with black water from underground rivers and weaving white mist from the breath of their dead. The Sunder answers only to the blood of an Alpha. Without an Alpha’s spoken command, any vampire who steps into the mist feels the ground turn to mud beneath their feet, dragging them toward the bottomless water. That is why Nova and Queen Elara waited on the Bone Bridge for Kai. His word as Alpha heir loosened the Sunder’s grip and let them cross safely into Grimmoor. No vampire enters without an Alpha’s leave.

The Bone Bridge

The original vampires built the Bone Bridge from the ribs of a leviathan they slew three thousand years ago. They enchanted every bone with blood magic, binding the bridge to the will of Duskhollow’s ruler. A wolf cannot set foot on the bridge unless a vampire queen or king speaks their name aloud and offers safe passage. Otherwise, the bridge grows cold as a grave, and the wolf’s heart slows until it stops. That is why wolves never cross into Duskhollow without an invitation, the bridge would kill them before they took three steps. Only a vampire ruler’s command makes it safe.