Chapter#23

Caden’s POV

I adjusted my pack as I slipped out of the barracks. We’d agreed to meet at the western ridge, a shadowed spot near the training grounds where the guards’ patrols thinned out. My boots crunched softly on the gravel as I approached.

Rowan and Selene were already there. Liam limped up next leaning on his staff. Varian emerged last.

“Everyone here?” I whispered, keeping my voice low.

“Yeah,” Varian grunted, “Let’s move. Follow me.”

“Hold on,” Rowan tensed, “You sure this is safe, Varian? If we’re caught…”

“We won’t be,” Varian cut him off, “I’ve used this route before. Western ridge has a crevice, narrow, hidden by vines. Guards don’t check it. Stay quiet and keep up.”

Liam nodded, adjusting his grip on his staff. “Lead the way. I’m not missing this.”

I sighed, “Fine. But if we get caught, I’m blaming you, Varian.”

He smirked, “Noted. Move.”

We followed Varian. He pushed aside thick vines, revealing a narrow crevice. My shoulder scraped against the rock, but I gritted my teeth. The tight passage forced us to move slowly. After what felt like an eternity, the crevice opened into a hidden path, descending toward the city’s outer walls.

We emerged into Ironfang City. The streets were alive with the clang of hammers on anvils even in the middle of thie night. Weapons, swords, axes, daggers, lined stalls. The city thrived on its craft. It was famous for trading weapons and armors to warriors across Lunareth.

I’d never been to any city other than Silverthorn. But the rawness went deeper. Naked slaves, their bodies marked with chains and bruises, filled cages lining the streets. Their hollow eyes stared out as merchants barked prices.

“Gods,” Liam muttered, “This place is… brutal.”

Rowan nodded, “Didn’t expect this. The slaves…”

“Part of the trade,” Varian said coldly, “Metal and flesh go hand in hand here. Don’t let it distract you.”

Kaelen’s voice trembled slightly. “This isn’t right. How can they…”

“Focus,” Varian snapped, cutting them off. “We’re here to celebrate, not preach. Head to the tavern. Ale’s better than pity.”

I stepped forward, “He’s right. We stick together, keep our heads down. Let’s find that tavern.”

Varian led the way through the crowded streets of Ironfang City. “This way,” he voice was barely audible over the clang of hammers and shouts of merchants. We followed, sticking close.

“Where are we going?” Rowan asked, “I though the tavern was…”

“Somewhere better than a tavern,” Varian cut him, “You’ll see.”

He stopped at a nondescript iron door set into the side of a forge, rapping on it three times. A slot slid open. A pair of yellow eyes peered out, then the door creaked open, revealing a steep stairwell descending. “Down here,” Varian led the way without hesitation.

We descended. The sound of the city faded, replaced by a rising cacophony of shouts and clattering. The stairs opened into a huge underground arena. The stench of blood and ale hit me hard. Hundreds of wolves were packed in, shouting. Their voices were a chaotic roar.

In the center was a dirt ring, two fighters circling each other. Ready to fight to the death. Around them, the crowd waved gold coins, placing bets.

“Fight’s to the death,” Varian growled, “Don’t interfere in anything. Just have a drink and watch. That’s it.”

Liam’s hazel eyes widened, “That’s… barbaric. I’d only erd stories about the city.”

“It’s Ironfang City,” Varian shot back, “You wanted a real celebration. This is it. Grab a drink and stay out of trouble.”

Selene’s voice was tense, “I don’t like this. They’re killing each other for sport.”

“Then don’t watch,” Varian snapped. “But don’t interfere. You’ll get us all killed.”

Selene’s jaw tightened as her hands clenched around her mug, “I can’t just sit here and pretend this is okay, Varian. These wolves…they’re dying for gold coins, for entertainment. Where’s the honor in that?”

Varian scoffed as he crossed his arms, “Honor doesn’t keep you alive here, Kaelen. Survival does. You want to play hero, do it somewhere else. Not tonight.”

I saw the conflict in Selene’s eyes, the way her shoulders tensed urging her to ac. “Fine,” she muttered. Her eyes darted away from the ring, focusing on her mug instead. “But I’m not drinking to this.”

Liam reached out as his hand brushed her arm, “Kaelen, I don’t like it either. But Varian’s right, we can’t do anything. Not here. Let’s just… try to get through the night and enjoy our time while we can.”

Selene nodded, but her expression remained troubled, “I thought Ironfang City would be different. Not this… cruelty.”

Rowan nodded, “We’re here for a drink, nothing more. Let’s find a spot.”

I followed them to a corner where a gruff bartender poured ale into dented mugs. The crowd’s shouts echoed around us as the fighters clashed. I took a sip to ease the tension in my chest.

Selene sat beside me. Her eyes flickered between the ring and the crowd, “How can they cheer for this?” she whispered, “It’s like they don’t even see them as wolves.”

“They don’t,” I said quietly, “They see gold, Kaelen. That’s all that matters here.”

She shook her head, “It shouldn’t be.”

My bladder ached. I’d been holding it since the barracks. “I need to piss,” I muttered, setting my mug down.

“Don’t take long,” Rowan’s eyes flickered between me and the fight, “And don’t wander.”

I nodded, slipping through the crowd. But as I relieved myself, a scream pierced the air. My instincts kicked in, and I followed the sound. My boots echoed on the stone as I moved toward a nearby building.

The scream turned to sobs, muffled but raw, drawing me inside. I crept through the shadowed hall until I reached a room. The door cracked open. I slipped inside, and froze at the sight; a woman, naked, lying on the ground, her body curled tight, her face tucked into her legs, silver hair spilling over her shoulders. A huge iron chain bound her ankle. The metal bit into her skin. Fresh bruises marked her pale flesh. The sobs wracked her frame.

I stepped closer, careful not to startle her. “Hey… are you okay?”

She lifted her face, her tear-streaked eyes meeting mine, and I staggered back. My voice trembled, “Mara?”