Chapter 196

• The man moved through the dark alleyways, pain filling every inch of his body as he stumbled along. His movements were slow and unsteady, like that of a wounded animal searching for shelter from the storm. He muttered curses under his breath, his mind consumed with the memory of the brutal betrayal he had suffered at the hands of his own brother.
• It had started out as a simple disagreement, a petty argument over territory that had quickly spiraled out of control. The man's brother had always been jealous of his power and influence, the man supposed, and now he saw an opportunity to strike. In a fit of rage, he had attacked his own flesh and blood, beating him mercilessly until he lay lifeless on the ground.
• But somehow, the man had survived. He had awakened to find himself alone and abandoned, his body broken and battered beyond recognition, he didn't even know how he managed to leave his clan without being seen. The pain had been unbearable, and he had screamed until his throat was raw. But no one had come to his aid, and he had been forced to crawl through the streets like a wounded animal.