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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut inside\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hatred burned like fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He remembered everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The screaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His father\u2019s blood staining white stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The northern capital falling beneath flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the final words whispered before the castle gates collapsed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter what happens\u2026 survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ash clenched his fists tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He had survived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But survival came with a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now he sat in chains waiting to become someone\u2019s slave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thunder rumbled faintly across the sky above Vharok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then suddenly\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crowd began moving aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soldiers cleared the road immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A massive black war horse stepped slowly through the market puddles while armored guards followed closely behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old commander had arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commander Rael.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even the slave merchants lowered their heads respectfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old soldier looked terrifying up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black battle armor scarred from countless wars covered his massive frame while one empty eye socket stretched beneath a deep slash running across half his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People whispered stories about him constantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Butcher of Hollow Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Last Wolf Killer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man who helped destroy the North.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael barely looked toward the cages at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His surviving eye remained distant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like a man carrying ghosts heavier than armor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Torchlight reflected softly against the white wolf pendant beneath Ash\u2019s torn shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael froze instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The horse stopped moving beneath him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The commander\u2019s breathing changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ash noticed immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old soldier slowly turned toward the cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The color drained completely from Rael\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo\u2026\u201d he whispered faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The noise of the slave market slowly faded around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ash watched silently as something inside the commander began breaking apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Memories flooded the old soldier\u2019s mind all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snow-covered fortresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Northern banners flying proudly across icy mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A young king laughing beside roaring fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And a small child sitting on his father\u2019s shoulders wearing a white wolf pendant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael dismounted the horse slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merchants exchanged confused looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The commander walked toward the cage like a man approaching a ghost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One trembling step after another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ash slowly lifted his eyes toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And quietly asked\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you still remember your promise to my father?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael stopped breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The entire market fell silent instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A nearby merchant frowned nervously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCommander?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael ignored him completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His remaining eye stared at the boy through the iron bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gray eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exact same eyes as King Aldric Valen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dead king of the North.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old commander\u2019s knees suddenly hit the muddy ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gasps spread across the slave market immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merchants stared in horror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Soldiers exchanged nervous looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commander Rael never knelt to anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not even emperors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet here he was\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kneeling before a chained child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pendant swayed softly against Ash\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael\u2019s voice shook violently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy prince\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whispers exploded through the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPrince?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe northern bloodline survived?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s impossible\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One merchant stumbled backward fearfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe emperor ordered every Valen killed!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ash stared at Rael silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a long moment neither spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the commander lowered his head slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shame filled his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI failed him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ash\u2019s expression never changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou abandoned him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words struck harder than any sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael closed his eye painfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the memories returned again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ten years earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Northern Kingdom still stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snow covered the towering walls of Castle Valen while war horns echoed across frozen mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rael stood beside King Aldric beneath storm-dark skies overlooking the battlefield below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enemy fires stretched endlessly across the valleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vharok had come with overwhelming numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe cannot win this,\u201d Rael said quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
King Aldric smiled faintly beside him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo,\u201d the king admitted. \u201cBut we can buy time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king looked toward the castle behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toward the royal chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor my son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king placed a hand on the old commander\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf the gates fall\u2026\u201d His voice hardened. \u201cYou take Ash and run north.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael immediately shook his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI swore to die beside you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou swore to protect the bloodline.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The king\u2019s eyes darkened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat matters more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below them\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n War drums thundered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final battle had begun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael remembered the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The screams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The castle collapsing beneath siege weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the moment everything went wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traitors inside the northern court had opened the gates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vharok soldiers flooded the fortress instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael fought through blood and fire trying to reach the prince\u2019s chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But he was too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The queen was dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Servants slaughtered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the child gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone believed Prince Ash Valen died that night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone except Rael.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because for years\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old commander searched secretly through ruins, villages, refugee camps, and mass graves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always searching for the white wolf pendant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always hoping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always failing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Until now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in the slave market\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael stared at the boy through trembling breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow did you survive?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash looked away coldly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA servant hid me beneath the grain carts before the castle burned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael felt tears threatening his remaining eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou were alone all this time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash laughed softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A terrible sound coming from a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot for long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silence followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Ash slowly revealed scars across his wrists beneath the chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael\u2019s face darkened instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old commander turned slowly toward the merchants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every soldier nearby suddenly looked nervous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho chained him?\u201d Rael asked quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nobody answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The silence became deadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally one merchant stepped forward carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cH-he was purchased from border hunters, Commander. We didn\u2019t know\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael punched him so hard the man collapsed instantly into the mud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The entire market froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commander\u2019s voice dropped dangerously low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou sold your prince in chains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear spread rapidly across the plaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some merchants immediately backed away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Others lowered their heads trembling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash watched everything silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But inside\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confusion stirred beneath the hatred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Commander Rael had once been his father\u2019s closest friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And also the man blamed for losing the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash still remembered the whispers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael betrayed the North.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael abandoned the king.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael let Castle Valen fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy stared coldly through the bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy are you kneeling now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The question hit harder than the accusation itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael looked up slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash\u2019s small face remained emotionless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But pain burned behind the child\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou disappeared,\u201d Rael whispered. \u201cI searched for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou stopped searching eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael fell silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because it was true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After years of failure\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even he had begun believing the prince died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash leaned closer toward the bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy father waited for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old commander\u2019s face broke completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thunder rolled across the skies above Vharok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then suddenly\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trumpets echoed across the market towers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imperial soldiers flooded the streets instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd panicked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone had spread the rumor too quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe emperor\u2019s guards!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael stood immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His expression darkened with sudden urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have to leave. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael grabbed the cage lock violently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBecause if Emperor Vharos learns the Valen bloodline survived\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lock snapped apart in his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019ll burn this entire city to find you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cage door creaked open slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For one brief moment\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash hesitated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Freedom stood directly in front of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet years of betrayal and survival screamed inside his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trust no one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not even him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael extended his scarred hand carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI made your father a promise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The market erupted into chaos around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imperial guards pushed through the streets while merchants scrambled desperately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash stared at the old soldier\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then finally\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy stepped out of the cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael immediately wrapped a heavy black cloak around him hiding the pendant beneath layers of cloth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStay close.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They moved quickly through the collapsing market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soldiers shouted everywhere now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSeal the gates!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSearch every wagon!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo one leaves the plaza!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash followed silently beside the commander while rain poured harder across the city streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou still serve Vharok?\u201d the boy suddenly asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael\u2019s jaw tightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash\u2019s eyes turned cold instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo the rumors were true.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael stopped walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For several seconds he said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then quietly\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI joined them after the war.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hatred flashed across Ash\u2019s face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou betrayed us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael\u2019s voice became sharp enough to cut steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI survived.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash looked away bitterly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy father called you brother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The words visibly wounded the old soldier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael resumed walking slowly through narrow alleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They reached a hidden stable near the city walls where several black horses waited beneath heavy rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael lifted Ash carefully onto one saddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then suddenly\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n A crossbow bolt slammed into the wooden post beside the boy\u2019s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imperial soldiers emerged across the alley instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere!\u201d one shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael cursed under his breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More soldiers blocked the opposite street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too many.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A tall armored figure stepped forward beneath the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n General Varos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The emperor\u2019s executioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike Rael, Varos wore polished silver armor untouched by age or mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His cruel smile widened beneath the storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell\u2026\u201d he said softly. \u201cThis is interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael slowly reached for his sword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos looked toward Ash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe little wolf survived after all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash\u2019s stomach tightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even from horseback\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The general felt dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos tilted his head slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe emperor will pay greatly for the boy alive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael\u2019s voice hardened instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re not touching him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The general laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou still pretending loyalty to dead kings?\u201d His eyes narrowed mockingly. \u201cThe North is gone, old man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash expected Rael to stay silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead the commander answered quietly\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rain hammered across the alley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael drew his sword slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe North is kneeling in chains.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something changed in Ash\u2019s expression then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the first time\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy truly looked at the old soldier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos sighed dramatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou always were sentimental.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he raised his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKill them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crossbows fired instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael moved like lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His blade deflected bolts midair while he grabbed Ash\u2019s horse reins violently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRide!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The horse exploded forward through the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash nearly fell from the saddle as chaos erupted behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Steel clashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soldiers screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael fought like a man possessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite scars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite one eye\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commander carved through imperial soldiers with terrifying precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash looked back once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael wasn\u2019t simply protecting him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old soldier was trying to die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos noticed it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their blades collided violently beneath the storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou finally found a death worth earning?\u201d the general mocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But his silence answered everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash\u2019s chest tightened painfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The horse reached the city gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More soldiers waited ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash panicked desperately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then suddenly\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n A horn echoed across the mountains outside Vharok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ancient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The imperial soldiers froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another horn answered from the forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos\u2019 face changed instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo\u2026\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dark figures emerged across the cliffs surrounding the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hundreds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Riders wearing white wolf cloaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Northern rebels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The city gates exploded inward moments later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chaos swallowed Vharok instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rebel riders stormed through the streets beneath roaring war cries while citizens scattered in terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash stared in disbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The North wasn\u2019t dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It had been hiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A rebel warrior reached the boy first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rider pulled back his hood revealing an older woman with silver-streaked hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her eyes widened immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe pendant\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash stared back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The woman slowly dismounted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then knelt before him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like Rael had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy prince,\u201d she whispered emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash felt frozen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All his life he believed he was alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But now\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n More riders surrounded them quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every single one lowered their heads before the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White wolf banners rose through the storm once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind them\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael still fought General Varos beneath crashing rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old commander was bleeding heavily now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash watched silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then suddenly shouted\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCommander!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael looked toward him instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For one brief second\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old soldier smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not like a warrior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Varos struck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A blade pierced directly through Rael\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commander staggered violently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash\u2019s heart stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy jumped from the horse instinctively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Rael raised one blood-covered hand sharply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStay back!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos ripped the blade free laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou should\u2019ve died with your king.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael fell to one knee breathing heavily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rain mixed with blood beneath him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash\u2019s vision blurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone always died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And now\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael lifted his head slowly toward the boy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou asked if I remembered my promise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash stood trembling in the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old commander forced himself upright one final time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI never forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Rael charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The duel that followed became legend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even wounded\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old soldier fought with terrifying fury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Steel flashed through rainwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos attacked brutally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But something had changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael no longer fought like a survivor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He fought like a man finally protecting what mattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And for the first time in years\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old commander looked alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their blades collided one final time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varos stared downward slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael\u2019s sword protruded through his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The general collapsed lifelessly into the mud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rain hammered across the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rebels erupted into cheers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Ash only ran toward the commander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael collapsed moments later beside the dead general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blood soaked through his armor rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash dropped beside him desperately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo no no\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael laughed weakly despite the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou sound exactly like your father.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tears burned Ash\u2019s eyes instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commander reached slowly beneath his armor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And removed an old ring bearing the white wolf crest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The royal seal of House Valen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI kept it safe,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash took the ring with shaking hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael\u2019s remaining eye softened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe North followed your father because he gave them hope.\u201d His voice weakened. \u201cBut they\u2019ll follow you\u2026 if you give them something stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash leaned closer desperately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rael smiled faintly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The storm slowly began fading above Vharok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the first time in years\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunlight broke through the clouds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warm golden light touched the ruined slave market behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Touched the white wolf banners rising once more across the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Touched the kneeling rebels surrounding their prince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ash looked around silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the people waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the kingdom that survived in shadows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the old soldier who kept searching long after hope died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then finally\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boy closed his small hand around the royal ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And understood something terrifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The North had not found its lost prince.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The North had found its king.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cold rain dripped from the black iron cages of Vharok\u2019s slave market while smoke from nearby furnaces rolled heavily across the stone streets. The city never truly… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1428"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1428\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1432,"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1428\/revisions\/1432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/moviechilltrailer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-113-576x1024.png\")
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