Before the Journey
Morning’s first light bathed the courtyard in a tender gold hue, casting long, soft shadows across the cobblestones. Wolves hurried from one wagon to the next, arms loaded with supplies—everything from bedrolls to sacks of provisions. The courtyard hummed with muffled chatter, the rattle of wooden crates, and the faint scent of dew mingling with horse tack. Jupiter stood near the courtyard’s archway, arms loosely folded, watching the bustle with a combination of anticipation and nerves. She was still growing used to the respectful nods and curious glances some wolves sent her way. Each acknowledgment was a subtle reminder of the new role she’d been thrust into. She returned a couple of small smiles, warmth fluttering in her chest whenever someone called her “my lady” without a hint of iro
- Writer
