Chapter 54: The Reckoning

The night was filled with tension as Aveline and Gabriel walked carefully through the thick forest, guided by the secret directions in the message gotten from under the door. The isolated fortress looked big in the distance, its very tall walls lit by faint lights. Aveline's heart kept racing as she held the dagger tightly in her hand.

"We're almost there," Gabriel murmured, his eyes checking around the area for any signs of danger.

Aveline nodded, her determination outweighing her fear. The child—their child—was inside that fortress. She wouldn't let anyone stop her from reaching them.

As they approached, a group of rogue wolves came out from the shadows, their eyes shining and their attitude became very hostile to them. Gabriel raised his hands, signaling for Aveline to stay back.

"We don't want trouble," he said, his voice steady. "We're just passing through."