---

After her conversation with Melinoë, Corvi had grown cautious of the Dream Visitor's frantic pleas. When he appeared once more with a final ask, she observed the doors with wariness. Yet inaction did not suit her, and she stepped through the third, fearful less for her own life and more for what horror she might see on the other side.

Upon seeing the chained wolf, Corvi's hard crimson gaze softened. Only for a moment, however—the man meant to slaughter them all. Only blood was in his mind. Corvi had seen that look before, in wounded soldiers driven mad from pain and fear, and knew that nothing more could be done. His brother had returned too late. If the chained one had any of his mind left, he would have begged for them to end him.

No, not like him, she said, her expression sorrowful. I will grant you mercy.

With a heavy heart, she leapt forward to plunge her teeth into the stranger's neck.