ALFRED POV

The journey through the forest was swift as we didn’t stop in our sprint towards the north mountains… not at a sound of a twig nor the sudden weather change or for water break.

In what seemed like a few hours, we arrived at the northern mountains. We didn’t stop when the guards at the entrance gate flagged us down—we just flew through. In seconds, we were surrounded by guards with spears and swords, all aimed with firm grip at our throats.

“Halt!” The beefy head guard roared. He leapt from his post—then midair, his body twisted, bones cracking. A massive black wolf hit the ground instead, spikes...