A Brutal Reckoning

ULRIC

I had barely finished pouring myself a drink when the messenger arrived.

The young wolf stumbled into the sitting chamber with clear fear written across his face. His clothes were dusty, and sweat ran down his temples despite the cool night air inside the Drakos residence.

I immediately felt irritation rise.

"What is it now?" I snapped.

The messenger swallowed nervously.

"The mercenary leade