I kept my sword steady in one hand, lifting the other in a placating gesture. “We’re just passing through. We will not harm you. We want only to destroy the Wolves and the man who calls himself your king.”
No one responded. The strained, battered silence unnerved me further. I stared at every face in the crowd, looking for soldiers and Shadow-Wolves.
I saw none.
Had Renwell done this just to slow us down?
The crowd shifted along the docks as more of my warriors followed me.
“Are you daft?” Maz growled at one man, shaking his shoulder. “Go home!”
The man shook his head rapidly, like a frightened bird.
They were being threatened. By whom? Something was wrong.
I spun in a slow circle, just as a man lunged at me from the crowd, strange scars on his face and a familiar black blade in his hand.
I evaded the blow and slammed my sword into his back. Screams rose, and people stampeded in every direction.
“Wolves!” I shouted. “No masks! Sunstone blades!”
Maz cursed and pushed his back against mine as we spun in the horde of panicked people.
Another Wolf attacked, and Maz slaughtered him with his axe. Ruru cried out as two Wolves attacked him and Daire.
I swore and fought my way to them as Daire’s knife shattered under the Wolf’s. I tore my sword across the Wolf’s throat, spraying Daire with blood.
“Th-Thanks,” he stammered. Ruru and Maz took down the other Wolf.
The docks slowly emptied as the city folk found refuge in homes and taverns. We fought our way through unmasked Wolves until there were none left.
They’d killed several of our warriors, and a handful of men and women who’d gotten in the way. No children, thank the Four.
“Fucking bastard.” Maz kicked one of the Wolves’ knives into the harbor. “Renwell loves his gods-damned surprises.”
I nodded wearily. “We should assume nothing going forward.” I lifted my head and spoke to the other gathered warriors. “Stay alert and watch each other’s backs. To the cliff gate!”
Please, Kiera, tell me you got to it in time.
We marched up the steep road, our extra weapons and shields making the climb worse. Near the top, I heard shouts.
I whipped my head up to see the gate still open. Soldiers peered over the wall, but didn’t fire upon us. A few of them gestured to the flag that Ruru waved proudly.
Perhaps they were trying to fix the gate. Or fighting among themselves. They had just watched us slay a group of men—whether the soldiers knew they were unmasked Wolves was unclear.
I held my breath as we crept closer. The heavy gate shuddered as if someone was hitting it from above. But it didn’t budge.
Maz squeezed my shoulder. “Kiera did it. She fucking did it. Your future queen is quite the rebel.”
A wild grin burst across my face. “That she is.”My queen.
Our warriors cheered and formed ranks behind me. I raced forward, only to stop short. Everyone halted behind me as well.
A small contingent of soldiers waited for us on the other side, their faces pale but resolute. They pointed their swords downward in a gesture of surrender.
Their leader stepped forward, his eyes darting to our flag before meeting my gaze. “Are you Aiden Falcryn?”
“I am.”
