[Kael’s POV]
The Northern Wastes were a desolate, unforgiving graveyard of jagged black rocks and knee-deep, freezing snow. The wind howled through the narrow mountain passes like the screams of dying men, biting at exposed skin with icy teeth.
For over a century, I had marched into this freezing hellscape more times than I could count. I had fought rogues, crushed rebellions, and slaughtered challengers on this very snow. But today, the freezing wind brushing against my face felt entirely different.
Because today, I wasn't just fighting to maintain my crown. I was fighting to protect my world. I was fighting for her.
I stood at the very front of the Blood Moon Vanguard, a solid, immovable wall of three thousand elite Lycan warriors. Behind me, my soldiers stood in perfect, deadly sile
