Warm sunlight poured into the chamber, gilding the edges of Colden's reflection. He adjusted his collar, steady hands betraying the tremor in his heart. A knock sounded, soft but certain.
Marco entered. His eyes lingered on Colden's collar, and with a shy smile he stepped forward, fingers brushing against the fabric as he fixed it. Their gazes met, and Marco's cheeks flushed. He reached for Colden's hand, and in that fragile silence, their lips met in a kiss — brief, trembling, but filled with promise.
The door opened. Carmine's voice cut through the moment. "Colden, it's time."
Together they stepped out, Marco's hand still in his. The streets opened wide, citizens gathered, their cheers rising like thunder. Colden stood tall, pride swelling in his chest as Marco remained at his side. For a fleeting instant, destiny seemed theirs.
But then — the vision shattered.
Colden's eyes snapped open. His throat burned, ropes dug into his wrists. He was strangled, tied, his body bound in cruel knots. His vision blurred, but slowly sharpened.
Beside him sat Isabelle. She did not look at him; her gaze was fixed on the window, her expression unreadable, her silence heavier than words.
Colden turned his head. Elaine was there too, strapped up, her face pale with fear. Her eyes met his, wide and desperate, but she could not speak.
The carriage jolted forward. A figure held the reins, riding hard, carrying them deeper into the unknown. But Carmine was nowhere.
Far away, Carmine lay unconscious. Blood dripped from her temple, her eyes half‑closed. She stirred, vision narrowing, and saw them — coyotes, circling, their growls low and hungry. They moved closer, their bodies tense, their eyes gleaming.
Carmine cried out, her voice breaking. The coyotes froze, then darted to and fro, restless, deciding. And then they leapt.
Her heart broke. All her training, all her strength, felt useless. Tears welled as memories of Elaine flooded her — laughter, trust, the necklace she had given. Carmine's fingers clenched around it, her last tether to hope.
She rose to meet the beasts, eyes blazing through her tears, as they lunged.
And then — steel flashed.
A sword swung, slicing through the air, cleaving one coyote in two. The others shrieked, scattering into the shadows.
Carmine gasped, her body trembling. Someone had arrived. Someone had found her at the very brink.
TO BE CONTINUED…
NEXT CHAPTER ON 13th FEBRUARY 2026