Embers of Power

The sun rose from the west, bathing Darius’s mind in an unsettling glow. Everything had shifted. Wherever he walked, people spat at his feet, their faces contorted with disgust. The queen had granted the denizens a voice, and they wielded it like a weapon, rallying in the streets to demand the expulsion of the Dark Wolf’s son from their ranks.

Yet, even as his people turned against him, Darius refused to yield. He knew he alone possessed the influence and strength to confront the powers above. But the relentless barrage of insults from every corner began to erode his resolve.

Titus had forbidden Darius from seeing Katherine, and Darius, aware of the risks, had ended their relationship. Still, the gnawing concern for her well-being after the attack at the Kaze estate consumed him. Unable to resist, he slipped into the house and entered her room. She lay asleep, her breathing soft and steady. After a lingering glance, he turned to leave.

“Darius, you came.”