The sun was still a pale smear across the frosted sky when the group gathered in the snowy courtyard of the Glacier inn. The crystalline walls of the capital shimmered around them, reflecting soft pink and blue hues in the early light. For a place built on ice and discipline, it had been surprisingly warm in its own strange way. Still, it was time to leave.
Vincent, his polished silver armor gleaming even in the weak sunlight, stood at the forefront with Alicia by his side. The other Glacier warriors, now unmasked, waited behind them with solemn, composed expressions.
"Before you leave," he said, his voice carrying with solemn warmth, "we offer gifts. From House Glacier, to aid you in what lies ahead."
One by one, the warriors stepped forward, their crystalline armor gleaming in the dawn. Each handed the companions a small itemcrafted with icy elegance. Kaelyn received a slender dagger, sharp and glistening like frost. Astrid was given a pendant, its stone carved from glacier glass that shimmered with pale blue energy. Kaden received a compass that never pointed north, but to safety. Sierra, with a small bow, received a whisper-thin bracelet that tightened at the presence of danger. Audric was given a scroll of protective runes. Xavier,after some eye rolling,got a coin that claimed to always land on the side that favored survival.
Last to step forward was Shaka, the quietest among the Glacier warriors. He held out a small crystalline shard to Kaden.
"It resonates when danger nears. Touch it, and you'll hear our voice. We will come, if we can," Shaka said. Kaden took it silently but gave the faintest nod.
They left with heavy hearts, following a winding path through the outer edge of the Glacier territory, leaving the protective frost-laced halls behind.
As they walked, conversation drifted—mostly from Xavier, of course.
"Can't believe the guy was married. Totally ruined my day."
Kaelyn snorted. "You thought you stood a chance?"
"You wound me."
"You're already wounded—mentally," Audric muttered.
But as the banter carried, Sierra grew quiet. Kaden was already a few steps ahead of them, his jaw tight, eyes watching the horizon.
That was when they saw him.
A man, collapsed on the side of the trail. Blood soaked the snow beneath him. He groaned, clutching his side.
Astrid gasped. "Oh my gods, we have to help him!"
Kaden narrowed his eyes. "No. We don't."
Sierra, standing close beside him, nodded slowly. "Something's off."
Xavier threw up his hands. "Great. Another bleeding stray. We're already a herd of misfits."
Kaelyn looked between the group, conflicted. Audric said, "We don't know who he is. What if it's a trap?"
But Astrid stepped forward anyway. "I'm not leaving him like this. He's hurt. I won't ignore someone in need."
Kaden moved quickly to grab her arm, but she slipped from his grasp and knelt beside the stranger. Her hands were quick, methodical. She pulled out a cloth and a small vial from her pouch—something Vincent's wife, Alicia, had gifted her. A healing salve made from the ice flowers of Glacier.
The man winced as she applied it to his wound.
Then he screamed.
Not in pain. In rage.
His body jerked violently, his eyes rolling back for a moment, and then they changed—reptilian, slitted. His skin cracked and darkened, scales pushing through.
Astrid stumbled back in shock, causing the vial to fall from her hand leading to the remaining content of the vial to pour on the ground.
"He's not human!" Sierra shouted, clutching Kaelyn's arm.
"Get back!" Kaden moved in front of the group.
The man, or creature, let out a low hiss and slowly rose to his feet.
Astrid's voice shook. "The salve—he reacted to it like it burned. Like poison."
"It probably was," Audric said. "That means... he's part of them."
Xavier drew his coin from his pocket, staring at it like it might save his life. "I told you we shouldn't have helped. I freaking told you."
The creature gave a wicked grin, blood still oozing from its side. "You fools are walking straight into the fire. And now… now you're marked."
Kaden's hand went to the crystalline shard Shaka had given him.
Kaelyn whispered, "What does he mean? Marked?"
The man's body shivered, then dissolved into black mist, disappearing into the trees.
They stood there in silence.
Astrid's hands were still trembling.
The illusion of safety they had clung to shattered in the cold light of morning. And just like that, whatever closeness they'd shared the night before began to pull apart. They had trusted each other—because they had to. But now, the cracks began to show.
And the road ahead had never looked more uncertain.