Bringing In The Traitors

Ralford Coastal Territory – Stormwake Passage

The night air was thick with salt and damp, clinging to the Imperial Knights like a second skin as they thundered toward Stormwake Passage.

Their torches flickered in the darkness, casting jagged shadows against the towering stone walls that loomed over the narrow street.

Esten rode at the front, his fingers taut around the hilt of his sword. He could smell the city now—the mingling stench of brine, rotting wood, and fish left too long in the sun they were now rotting. The passage ahead was a warren of alleyways, twisting corridors barely wide enough for two men to pass at a time, perfect for smugglers, thieves, and—tonight—traitors.

Lady Morwen Ralford.

Her family had played their hand boldly, rallying banners and besieging the capital like they were still kings of old. But they had failed. The Crown had struck back, and now House Ralford stood on the edge of Ruin.