#Chapter 171: The Rogue’s Bride

Audrey “Silver Wolf…” The rogue, his eyes flashing maniacally, took a step toward me, gnarled hands outstretched. I could scent him from where I stood a few yards away—he smelled like rotten teeth and scorched earth. I knew instantly that he was indeed a rogue, likely from Coldclaw. I could smell it all over him, see it in the wild look in his eyes, in his unkempt hair and tattered clothes. When he smiled at me, he was missing a tooth right in the front. My heart pounded in my chest as I took a step back, the snow crunching beneath my feet. “Stay away from me,” I warned, but my voice trembled, betraying my fear. “I won’t hurt you, my sweet,” he cooed, ignoring my warning. “I’ve been looking for you for so, so long. You will be my bride… Together, we will bring Coldclaw to glory. I’ll treat you so good—I promise.” I swallowed hard, taking another step back. My back pressed against the hard bark of a tree, and I sidestepped around it, never taking my e