Chapter 240: The Northern Way
The wind whispered through the bare trees, carrying the faint tang of smoke and ash from the Black Market, now a ruin of charred wood and shattered lives. Tobias, still in the guise of William, crouched silently at the edge of the clearing. Jarek's small group of rogue wolves, tense and alert, huddled behind him and the children, their breaths misting in the cold afternoon air.
Tobias gave a barely perceptible nod. Recognition passed in Jarek's eyes, and the rogue finally lowered his weapon, though his hands remained close, ready to strike again if needed.
"Why… why are you dressed like that?" Jarek asked, voice low, wary. He gestured at Tobias's disguise—the ragged remnants of William's clothing, the bloodstains that had dried and darkened, the way he carried himself with a predator's grace even under the mask.
