Chapter 6 - Shadows in the Snow
Back in Oak Haven, miles to the south, Thomas and Martha Reed were celebrating.
The five thousand gold sovereigns Lord Sterling had paid sat stacked in heavy iron chests in Thomas’s private study. With the money, Thomas had already secured new trade contracts with southern merchants, ensuring their social standing was safe.
Beatrice twirled around the parlor, holding up a new diamond necklace her father had bought her. "Honestly, Father, we should have gotten rid of that white-haired freak years ago. Imagine if someone had found out we were housing a monster!"
Thomas smiled, pouring himself a glass of aged brandy. "She is someone else's problem now, Beatrice. Sterling took her far east. We will never hear her name again."
Suddenly, the heavy mahogany front doors of the Reed estate exploded inward with a deafening crash. Splintered wood flew across the grand foyer like shrapnel.
Thomas choked on his brandy, coughing violently as he rushed into the hallway. Martha shrieked, dropping her teacup as it shattered on the marble floor.
Striding through the shattered doorway was not a band of common thieves, but a dozen towering warriors clad in dark northern leather, their eyes glowing with a faint, feral gold. At their front walked a high-ranking Lycan general, his face carved with absolute disdain.
"Thomas Reed?" the general demanded, his voice shaking the crystal chandelier overhead.
Thomas trembled, backing into his study. "Who... what are you? Guards! Guards!"
"Your guards are currently tied up in the stables," the general replied coldly, stepping forward and tossing a heavy, blood-stained pouch onto the floor at Thomas’s feet. It clinked heavily—five thousand gold sovereigns spilled out across the marble. "The Alpha King sends his regards. And a message."
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"A message?" Thomas whispered, his face draining of all color.
"You sold a queen," the general snarled, drawing a massive broadsword that hummed with cold energy. "And the crown demands payment in full."
