Chapter 6 - The Confrontation at the Border Checkpoint
The wind whipped across Silver Creek as Elara reined in her horse. A phalanx of Nightfall royal guards stood surrounding a confiscated wagon. At their head stood Grand Judge Allaric, looking older and sharper-edged, flanked by knights bearing the crest of the blackmir crown.
“Counselor Wind,” Allaric sneered, stepping forward. “How amusing that the rogue legal keeper of Stonehaven presides over this lawless province.”
“These goods are protected under the Neutrality Treaty of 402,” Elara said coldly, dismounting. “Release the grain, Allaric, or I will file an immediate injunction with the Inter-Pack Council.”
“An injunction?” Allaric chuckled. “You have no standing here—nor do you have any protection once the King reviews your unregistered status.”
Before Elara could reply, a deep, resonant vibration shook the ground beneath their hooves. The murmuring of the guards died instantly. A massive black stallion trotted through the parted ranks, its rider cloaked in heavy fur-lined velvet, an aura of absolute dominance suffocating the air around them.
King Cassian Blackmir pulled back his hood.
Time seemed to stutter. Cassian’s face was harder than it had been five years ago, etched with lines of perpetual fury and sleepless nights, his golden eyes scanning the checkpoint. When his gaze locked onto Elara, his breath hitched. The dormant, scarred bond beneath his skin flared violently, sending a physical shudder through his massive frame.
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“Elara,” he breathed, his voice a low, gravelly rumble that sounded like grinding stones.
Elara’s heart slammed against her ribs, but she forced her chin up, her shield firm. “King Cassian. You are trespassing on neutral soil.”
