Kael’s POV
Night in Blackthorn feels different from Silver Moon.
The forest is thicker.
Darker.
Older.
Even the wind moves like it knows secrets.
I stand near the narrow window of the guest chamber they assigned me, looking out over the dark forests stretching beyond the fortress walls.
Somewhere out there, rogues are gathering.
And somewhere in this territory
Amara might be alive.
The thought refuses to leave me alone.
Behind me, boots scrape against the floor as Darius enters with three of our soldiers.
Marcus.
Talon.
And Reyne.
All of them trusted wolves.
All of them tired.
“Report,” I say without turning.
Darius exhales heavily. “Nothing.”
That word lands harder than I expect.
I turn slowly.
Marcus shakes his head. “We questioned traders, border guards, and every p
