Fragments of Shadows - Thorian and Demetria

[Thorian Thalric]

The Citadel of Eboncrest, home of the Frostclaw Kin, stood like a blackened crown at the heart of the kingdom’s frozen expanse. Towering spires pierced the sky, and thick stone walls carved from obsidian and iron encircled the vast stronghold. Snow blanketed the surrounding hills, muffling all but the howling wind that swept through the jagged peaks. Beneath the pale light of the full moon, the citadel seemed almost alive—a monolith forged from shadow and cold fire, unyielding as the king who ruled it.

Within the depths of the fortress lay the Great Hall, its vaulted ceiling supported by pillars etched with ancient runes, symbols of protection and power older than memory. The throne itself—the Obsidian Seat—was a work of brutal beauty, carved from a single slab of dark stone, its surface polished smooth but marred by veins of silvery light, a reminder of the goddess Lunara’s favor. It had once been a seat of many kings, but only a True Alpha could wield the power it represented.

Thorian Thalric sat upon the throne, the weight of centuries pressing down on his shoulders. His golden eyes, sharp as a wolf’s and colder than the northern winds, surveyed the hall in silence. His reputation preceded him, a ruler both feared and revered. Some called him merciless, a king who ruled with an iron fist. Others whispered tales of his generosity, of the rare moments when his wrath was tempered with kindness and his power used to uplift the worthy. He cared little for what they believed—fear was often more useful than love. As long as his people stayed in line, they had nothing to fear. But those who strayed from the path of loyalty learned the meaning of his name too late.

Kaelen Varik, his Beta and most trusted advisor, stood at the foot of the throne. His dark hair was swept back, his pale blue eyes unreadable, though they carried a constant edge of caution—like a blade always half-drawn. Thorian leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the arms of the throne, his voice a low rumble.

“Tell me what we’ve learned,” he said, his eyes never leaving the flickering shadows that danced across the stone floor.

Kaelen cleared his throat, his tone measured. “The reports are consistent. There have been sightings of unfamiliar wolves in Nightmare Rose territory, moving with purpose. Several sources believe they’re searching for something—likely fragments of the Fractured Star.” He paused. “There are… suggestions that some within Alpha Carter’s pack may be involved. Whether by force or choice, we don’t yet know.”

Thorian’s eyes narrowed. “If the rumors are true, this could spark a war before the snows melt. I’ll not have wolves—rogue or otherwise—hunting for relics that were never meant to be found. They’ve been hidden for a reason.” His voice dropped, a dangerous edge curling at the end of his words. “Summon Alpha Demetria. She needs to be made aware of this… situation.”

Kaelen gave a slight bow. “At once.”

As Kaelen left the hall, Thorian sat back in the throne, his mind already turning over the possibilities. He held no illusions about what might be waiting for him at the end of this path—old enemies with new ambitions, power-hungry wolves willing to tear apart their own kind for a chance at ascension. Demetria had always been a capable leader, but if the rumors held any truth, her pack could be more vulnerable than it seemed.

Moments stretched into minutes, the heavy stillness of the hall pressing in around him. His gaze drifted to the great doors as they remained shut. Patience was a virtue, they said, but Thorian had always preferred action. Still, for now, he waited. The future would arrive soon enough, carried on the shoulders of a storm far older than even he could recall.

[The Nightmare Rose Pack]

Demi was resting after doing what she could overtaking the Pack and renaming it once her former husband had left causing as much issues as he did. She knew he was trouble especially with how he was with her and the family who took her in and let her lead the pack since they now required a new alpha since Matthew was exiled and not to return little did she know he was trying to turn all wolves against her and the pack. Luciana was the one who let Demi takeover as Alpha (or Co-Alpha) considering the situation at hand. Luci and her father Angel were the original Pack Leaders until Matthew had come along. But Luci knew with two Alphas and two Beta's in their pack all should be safe and protected as if Matthew never came about.

Angel and Marley stayed in their respectful meeting room after they heard a shuffle in the hall. Angel stood up first so he would see who bothered the royal quarters. "Who enters the Hall of Oblivion?" he spoke deeply as Marley stood ground ready to call the guards. They heard a voice that sounded like it was from a neighboring pack. Marley relaxed as she nodded to Angel knowing it wasn't any fuss to come about since she could smell the scent from the Frostclaw Kin. 

Marley and Angel both sat down as they had their wine in hand seeing as their Beta discussions would hold for more than just a moment since she could smell the urgency and worry from this member of a pack coming forth. "What worries you and is there anything we can do to help?" Marley asked knowing that these others wolves were considered a brotherly like status.