The First Claiming

Night descended upon Blackwood Keep like a heavy velvet shroud, illuminated by the crimson brilliance of the Blood Moon hanging full and menacing at the zenith of the sky. Inside the royal master bedchamber, the roaring stone hearth cast deep amber and crimson shadows across the oak timber walls and the massive bed platform heaped with black bear pelts, ermine throws, and silk cushions. Kaelen stood by the arched stone…