The Velmourn Wall stood like a giant shadow against the white world. Its stone was dark and old, carved and stacked so tightly that snow couldn't slip between the cracks. Thick layers of frost clung to the edges. Ice hung from the higher ledges like teeth.
On one of the watch posts near the main gate, two Velmourn soldiers stood there, their cloaks pulled tight, spears resting against the stone. Their breath rose in pale clouds as they stared out into the forest ahead, scanning the white land out of habit.
For a long time, it was only wind and trees.
Nothing moved.
And then—
One of them frowned. He leaned forward, squinting into the distance, his eyes narrowing.
"Do you see that?"
He muttered.
The other soldier followed his gaze. At first, it looked like shadows drifting between the burnt trees. Then the shadows became shapes and the shapes became… people.
Then in an instant, the two soldiers froze—
The Stonefangs.
They were here.
