Chapter 4 - WHISPERS IN THE SHADOWS
Deep within the subterranean dungeons of Ithinar, the air was thick with dampness and the stench of old despair. Bound by heavy silver chains that burned his skin, Counselor Mard spat a mouthful of blood onto the stone floor. His jaw throbbed in agony, but his eyes burned with fanatical hatred.
"You think you've won, beast," Mard rasped into the empty darkness.
From the shadows of the adjoining cell, a low, melodic laugh echoed. A figure stepped into the dim torchlight—a woman with hair as dark as midnight and eyes that gleamed with ancient malice. Lady Vesper, leader of the exiled southern bloodline and secret ally to the council.
"The Alpha is blinded by a human, Mard," Vesper said, her lips curving into a cruel smile. "He thinks the mating bond is a blessing. He doesn't realize that a human body cannot handle the raw spiritual power of an Alpha's mark. The mating heat will consume her from the inside out within three moon cycles."
Mard’s eyes widened. "Are you certain?"
"Absolute," Vesper whispered, running a long, manicured nail along the iron bars. "Let him keep his little human clerk. Let him crown her. When the bond begins to poison her blood, Aldric will go mad with grief—and we will take the throne while he weeps over a grave."
Back in the royal chambers, unaware of the conspiracy brewing beneath their feet, Senna lay resting on the grand feather bed. The royal healer had cleaned and wrapped her wounds, leaving her wrapped in soft silk sheets.
Aldric sat beside her, gently tracing the glowing golden mark on her wrist with his thumb.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Aldric asked quietly, noticing the subtle tremors in her fingers.
"It feels like fire under my skin," Senna admitted, looking up at him with unblinking eyes. "Aldric... what happens to a human when she is bound to an Alpha King? My people don't have magic. We don't have wolves. Will my body reject this?"
Aldric’s expression darkened. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. "I will not let you break. I waited three years in the dark, Senna. The goddess did not give you to me just to watch you fade away."
Suddenly, the heavy oak door burst open. The lead guard rushed in, panting heavily.
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"My King! The southern gates... they have been breached. Lord Cassian and a private army have arrived, demanding the immediate release of Counselor Mard and the expulsion of the human!"
Aldric stood up so fast his chair overturned. His eyes flashed pure gold, his inner wolf bursting to the surface. "Cassian thinks he can challenge me in my own fortress? Gather the pack. It’s time they learned who rules Ithinar."
