The manor's west tower loomed under moonlight, its upper levels sealed to all but a select few. In one of those quiet, sacred rooms, Rin Vaelthorn stood alone.
She hadn't slept.
Her eyes were still wide from what she heard—Albrecht. Cirelle. Gennard.
Plotting to remove Kael.
Her hands gripped the railing of the observatory, knuckles pale.
They spoke of raising her as head instead.
But not because they believed in her. Not because she had strength. Only because they thought she could be controlled.
"I'm not a pawn," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I'm not... weak."
She turned sharply from the railing and rushed down the spiral staircase—her cloak billowing behind her like wings of dusk.
---
Elsewhere – Kael's War Room
Kael stood with his three captains around a round oak table carved with battle maps. Magical projections floated above the surface—terrain lines, known roads, and a faint blinking rune in red. It marked a location near the border of the estate's northeastern hunting wood.
"A caravan was hit here," Neron said flatly. "One of ours. Healers and enchanted herbs headed for Fort Merreth. Ambushed by rogue mercenaries."
Kael frowned. "House Banner?"
"No sigil," Ives replied. "But the attack was... surgical. Meant to cripple, not plunder."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "A message, then."
Thessa nodded. "Your command?"
Kael didn't hesitate. "We move at dawn. I'll lead the first deployment of the Lion's Teeth."
Lyra, leaning against the far wall, stirred. "You shouldn't go personally."
"I need to. They don't follow a name. They follow a man who stands with them. If I hide behind titles, I become the very thing I hated."
There was silence.
Then a new voice—sharp and breathless—from the doorway.
"Then take me with you."
All heads turned.
Rin stood there, fists clenched, eyes fierce.
"I want to go."
---
Moments Later – Private Corridor
Kael and Rin walked side-by-side through the vaulted corridor, the silence between them thick with unspoken truths.
"You heard them," Kael finally said.
"Yes."
"You understand what they're doing?"
"Yes."
"And you want to come with me now?" He glanced at her. "To prove what?"
Rin stopped walking.
"To prove that I'm not their pawn," she said, voice steady. "To prove I'm not the little sister kept out of the fire."
Kael turned. His expression was unreadable.
Then, softly: "You're not weak, Rin. I never thought you were."
"Then stop protecting me like I am."
He studied her for a long moment.
"…Pack your gear. Meet me at the stables before dawn."
Her eyes lit up.
She nodded—and vanished down the hall like a storm barely leashed.
---
At Dawn – The Edge of the Forest
Mist clung low to the trees, thick as smoke. Thirty Lion's Teeth stood in disciplined formation, faces masked in black steel helms. Their armor gleamed with fresh polish, unblooded but not unready.
Kael stood before them, wearing lighter battle gear—a sleeveless dark coat over chainmail, a long blade sheathed at his hip, and the strange black dagger tucked behind his back.
At his side: Rin in light scout armor and Lyra in her usual leather cuirass, bow slung across her back.
Ives gave a nod. "Scouts report movement ahead. Five heat signatures. Traps laid."
Kael raised a fist.
"Today, you earn your first fang," he said. "You will not be remembered for words or theories. Only deeds."
He turned his head slightly, addressing the formation without raising his voice.
"Those who follow me will bleed, break, and be reforged. But you will not bow to false kings. You will not fall to empty oaths. You are my Teeth—and our bite is fatal."
The signal was given.
They moved into the forest.
---
The First Clash
The enemy waited behind the old ruins—draped in bone charms, wearing no house colors. Mercenaries hired with foreign coin.
As Kael's vanguard approached, an arrow flew—fast, precise.
Lyra stepped forward, snapped her own bow up, and let fly.
Two arrows crossed midair.
Hers pierced the other clean in half.
"Amateurs," she muttered.
Combat broke instantly.
The Lion's Teeth split into squads, striking fast and coordinated. Ives and Thessa led charges, while Neron unleashed short bursts of ice magic to trap feet and shatter weapons.
Kael moved like a shadow, his blade a ribbon of death through the fog. Each strike was clean. Purposeful. No flourish. No wasted movement.
Then—a scream.
Rin.
He whirled—and found her dueling a mercenary captain twice her size. She was fast, but she overcommitted a strike, and the man slammed a fist into her ribs.
Kael started forward—
—but before he reached her, Rin rolled backward, came up on one knee, and slashed his thigh open with a reverse grip.
The man fell.
Rin stood, breath ragged.
Kael halted.
She met his gaze.
She wasn't asking for approval.
She had it.
---
Aftermath
By the time the battle ended, all enemies were either captured or dead. The forest was quiet again.
Kael looked at the recruits—mud-streaked, wounded, but standing.
"You have your first fang," he said.
Cheers did not follow.
Only clenched fists.
And eyes burning with pride.
Later, as they rode back, Rin leaned close to Kael. "You were going to jump in."
"I considered it," he admitted.
"I'm glad you didn't."
He glanced sideways. "You're stronger than I thought."
"No," she said with a small smile. "You're finally seeing how strong I've always been."
Behind them, Lyra watched the siblings. Her eyes softened, but her hand remained close to her sword. She hadn't missed the arrow that was meant for Kael—a poisoned tip with no crest.
Someone had hired killers.
Not just to strike.
But to send a message.
---
End of Chapter 56