Chapter86: Inner adversity

KELLY THOMPSON'S POV  The parchment felt heavy in my hands, the inked words a grim portent that clouded the serenity of my study. Reports-confidential and unsettling-whispered of Paul Biansky's clandestine meetings with The Black Faes. As I reread the missive, a chill slithered down my spine, and I tightened my grip on the paper, crumpling its edges. My heart, usually so steady and assured, now thrummed with a disquieting rhythm.  "Send for Paul," I commanded, my voice echoing off the stone walls with more strength than I felt. The guards nodded, their eyes betraying their concern before they turned and left, swift as the northern winds. I paced by the hearth, the flames casting elongated shadows that danced across the room like specters. This was a betrayal I had hoped to never face-a challenge to the unity and peace I'd poured my soul into fostering within the South pack. How could Paul, whom I've known since he was a pup, be wooed by the whispers of our most sinister adversaries? Th