Contents
19 Stark
Overview
Noemi is compelled by the Phylax defection to abandon Sturmfrost until Stark restrains her and Meryn commands her to resist, severing Killian’s pull. At a war council, leaders reveal Weisenstat is exposed. Meryn agrees to ride south to shield the grain heartland with Stark (and Noemi) while Egith diverts enemy forces near Grunfall.
Stark later confronts Siegrid over risking Meryn and the disastrous decision that triggered Phylax’s defection, sharpening internal tensions even as war pressures mount.
Summary
Stark seeks a punishing run to clear his agitation after Izabel’s funeral, planning to go with Noemi and their wolves. Noemi suddenly collapses and rises changed, flatly declaring that Phylax is joining Killian. Realizing she is obeying an Alpha command, Stark drags Noemi from Ephyse and pins her, urging her to resist while Cratos contains Ephyse.
Unable to break through, Stark calls Meryn through their bond and asks her to bring Anassa. Meryn arrives and, as queen, commands Noemi to resist her Alpha and remain in Sturmfrost. The order takes hold; Noemi and Ephyse calm, and the immediate crisis passes. Stark admits he loves Noemi (as family) and rages about Tormun’s betrayal, while he and Meryn trade tense, charged banter that underscores their pull and Stark’s insistence on distance.
Siegrid convenes a war council with Egith and Hannelore. They confirm Phylax’s mass defection has stripped defenses from Weisenstat, Nocturna’s grain hub, creating a catastrophic vulnerability. The plan: Meryn and Anassa ride swiftly to Weisenstat to raise powerful shields, with Stark accompanying (and Noemi to aid shielding), while Egith coordinates a diversion near Grunfall to draw Astreona away until reinforcements arrive.
Afterward, Stark confronts Siegrid, accusing her of risking Meryn and causing the crisis by sending Tormun after Killian despite warnings. He vows to protect Meryn even if he will not marry her. Siegrid dismisses him, revealing a flicker of pride but offering no admission, leaving the alliance strained as the mission to save Weisenstat begins.
Who Appears
- Stark (Valstark)Daemos Alpha narrator; restrains Noemi, summons Meryn, and challenges Siegrid’s strategy while vowing to protect Meryn.
- Meryn SturmfrostQueen; commands Noemi to resist Phylax orders, then agrees to shield Weisenstat and leads upcoming deployment.
- NoemiStark’s close friend; nearly compelled to defect with Phylax until Meryn’s command frees her to stay.
- SiegridSovereign Alpha; orders Meryn to Weisenstat, suggests bringing Noemi; later confronted for risking Meryn.
- EgithStrategos Alpha; outlines war plan and diversion near Grunfall to relieve Weisenstat.
- HanneloreAlpha present at council; slated to move toward Weisenstat with Siegrid.
- CratosStark’s wolf; restrains Ephyse and mirrors Stark’s fury over Phylax’s betrayal.
- AnassaMeryn’s wolf; helps subdue Ephyse and will travel with Meryn to Weisenstat.
- EphyseNoemi’s wolf; initially reacts under Phylax command before yielding to Anassa’s restraint.