Lucien

Lucien walked through the corridor with Nyla at his side, listening without needing to strain his ears.

Wolves never whispered quietly enough.

"...silver blood..."

"...the patrol carved open..."

"...she was seen walking the halls last night..."

It sickened him. Rumor spread faster than fire, and fire, at least, burned clean.

Wolves who had stood proudly in battle now spoke with lowered voices, their courage stripped away by ...