Maps littered the oak table in front of them, edges curling from wear, covered in pins and notes.
"Cael's report from the south border came in yesterday," Jax said, arms crossed. "He says the mountain pass is impassable. Snowdrifts too deep for even patrols to push through."
Finric nodded slowly, eyes skimming the parchment.
"And the rogue activity?"
"Quiet. Which worries him more than usual."
Finric's jaw clenched slightly. "They're waiting. Hiding."
The two stood in silence, considering the possibilities.
There was a knock on the door.
Finric looked up. "Enter."
Brutus Sterling, Colonel of the Northern Legion, stepped inside without waiting. Tall, broad, with snow-dusted hair and a scar that cut through his brow like a blade. His armor was scratched and well-worn. He didn't speak right away.
Instead, he held out a tightly rolled scroll tied with royal crimson ribbon.
"Intercepted," Sterling said. "Ashbane seal. Heading east."
Finric took the scroll, untied it, and read in silence.
His eyes narrowed as he read, lips pressing into a hard line.
He handed the letter to Jax without a word.
Jax's eyes flicked quickly over the words. His chest tightened. Then he cursed under his breath. "Lying little snake."
"What happened?"
"Meredith dismissed her guards and assaulted Nova. Nova didn't fight back. Elder Norrin was right outside the door and heard."
"Was she provoked?" Fin asked, almost in disbelief.
"No." Jax's voice was rough with contained fury.
"She said she hoped Nova was raped by every warrior here, that she'd die screaming. Called her mother a whore. Promised she'd finish what her mother started."
The temperature in the room dropped like someone had opened a door to winter.
Behind them, Brutus Sterling — who had said nothing until now — let out a slow, disgusted breath.
"That," he muttered, "is not the behavior of a princess. It's the behavior of a coward."
Fin didn't look at him.
Sterling continued, voice steady. "A leader who lays hands on the defenseless invites the gods to take notice. And they always do. Eventually."
Jax rubbed his jaw with one hand, eyes fixed on the fire.
"She wrote this letter to cover herself or to lay the groundwork."
"She's trying to manipulate Riven," Fin said, voice cool. "If this explodes, she wants to look like the wounded party."
Sterling folded his arms, posture solid as oak. "We can bury this. No one else has seen the letter."
Finric turned from the fire, gaze sharp as fresh steel.
"I don't care how small the incident. If anyone touches that girl, I want to know immediately."
Jax nodded once, guilt flickering under his anger. "Understood. She won't be out of my sight."
Fin walked back to the table, picked up the letter, and read it again — slowly. His expression changed from anger to disbelief.
He turned toward the hearth, the letter hanging loosely at his side.
"Think this is retaliation for being dismissed?" he asked.
"Retaliation implies strategy. This reads more like spite with stationery," Jax said. "And it's war bait."
Finric nodded once.
"I want a watch on Meredith's wing."
Sterling grunted approval. "It'll be done."
________________________________
📜 The Letter from Princess Meredith Ashbane
To My Dearest Brother, Alpha Riven Ashbane,
I write to you bruised, bloodied, and humiliated.
The bastard omega, our half sister struck me this morning. Laid hands on me. Assaulted me like the common, ill-raised little beast she is.
She has no discipline. No control. And now, no respect for our bloodline or title.
I warned you about her. I warned you.
This pack may be too foolish or too enchanted by her lies to see it, but you and I both know the truth. She's dangerous. Reckless. Tainted.
She threatened me in my own quarters. Grabbed me. Choked me.
I implore you to take action. Retrieve her. Remind them who she is and where she belongs. She is going to try to wind up in the Alpha's bed chambers and try to break our bond.
Please give me aid to discreetly deal with her or summon her back to the Ashbane pack.
Your loving sister,
Meredith Ashbane