Chapter Forty-Four: The Broken Seal
The morning after Rina and Kael made their vow, the camp stirred with renewed energy. Whispers of unity passed between packmates. Even the wind seemed lighter.
But peace never lingered long in Blackridge.
A scout arrived just after dawn — bloody, limping, terrified.
"They've broken the seal," he gasped, collapsing at Rina's feet.
She knelt, steadying him. "What seal?"
"The one beneath the ruins of the old mountain altar," he said. "The raven woman… she's unleashed something."
Elara appeared moments later, her face pale. "No," she breathed. "The seal held back the Hollow One."
Kael's expression turned cold. "What is it?"
"A god once banished for devouring the spirits of Alpha lines," Elara whispered. "Not just a shadow. Hunger incarnate."
Rina stood slowly. Her flame pulsed low and slow — steady, but waiting.
"Then we finish this. No more running. No more fear."
Kael nodded, eyes locked with hers. "We go together."
That night, the pack moved toward the mountains.
Toward the altar.
Toward the war to end them all.
And in the dark beneath the stone, something ancient opened its eyes.