Chapter 16: The Rogue's Offer
Night fell like a veil soaked in oil—thick, dark, and waiting for fire.
Within the Crimson Howl's gathering grounds, sentries kept silent watch along the treeline. Their newly gained strength from the Ash Pact gave them sharper senses, quicker reactions, but every howl in the wind still tightened their muscles. Everyone could feel it—the storm was drawing closer.
Kael stood near the ritual flame pit, running a whetstone down a curved blade that had belonged to his mother. Its edge caught the firelight, casting flickers against his face.
Behind him, Flam approached, silent until he was close. "Scouts haven't returned from the north ridge."
Kael didn't look up. "Too soon to worry."
"But not too soon to prepare," Flam muttered, glancing toward the shadowed hills. "We should set traps—burn lines. Anything that buys time."
Kael nodded, then paused.
A scent hit him—foreign. Sharp, like cinnamon laced with ash and old blood.
A presence.
Kael turned quickly, eyes glowing faintly. A figure stood at the edge of the clearing.
Tall. Cloaked in a patchwork of leathers. A jagged scar ran across one cheek. His hair was long and dark, and his eyes… were a pale, unnatural grey.
A rogue.
"Who are you?" Kael demanded, stepping forward as others rose behind him.
The man raised his hands slowly, not in surrender but in peace. "My name is Lucien. Once of the Thornclaw Pack… before it fell."
Kael narrowed his gaze. "And why are you in our territory?"
Lucien smiled—sharp and tired. "Because I bring you a gift. Information. And an offer."
System Notification:
Unique Encounter Triggered: Rogue Envoy
Name: Lucien Darkbranch
Status: Former Beta (Exiled)
Intent: Unknown
Potential Threat Level: Moderate
Reward Potential: High
Flam growled, "We don't take in strangers—especially rogues."
"I'm not here to join," Lucien said. "I'm here to warn. The Broken Fang aren't coming to raid. They're coming to wipe you out. And they're not alone."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Explain."
Lucien reached into his satchel and pulled out a medallion—broken in half but still radiating old enchantment. "This was once worn by a Warhowl enforcer. That pack fell years ago, but their blood still burns with rage. Someone is reviving them. And the Broken Fang are only their claws."
He stepped forward, tossing the medallion to Kael's feet.
"You need allies, Alpha. You need eyes beyond your hills."
Kael picked it up. The metal was cold, humming faintly.
"And what do you want?" Kael asked.
Lucien's voice dropped, quieter, harsher. "Vengeance."
A long silence stretched.
Then Kael spoke, slowly.
"If you lie, you'll die before your second breath."
Lucien smirked. "Then I guess I'll just have to tell the truth."
System Notification:
New Mission Unlocked: Ally of the Ash
Objective: Test Lucien's loyalty within 48 hours
Success: Temporary Combat Buffs & Strategic Intel
Failure: Pack Trust -10%
Side Bonus: Potential Pack Recruit (Conditional)
Kael turned to the pack.
"For now, he lives. Flam, keep your eyes on him."
Then he looked to the north.
"Because tomorrow, we learn who's really coming… and who still fears the Crimson Howl."