The heavy iron doors of the western exit swung open with a resounding scrape of stone, and the world seemed to slow to a crawl.
Standing on the grand stone overlook, a formal escort of twelve high-ranking pack warriors stood in perfect, rigid formation, their silver-accented armor gleaming brilliantly under the midday sun. The moment I stepped across the threshold, they snapped their fists to their chests in a synchronized, echoing salute.
"Your Grace," the lead warrior boomed, his voice echoing off the valley walls. "Your path is clear."
We began our descent down the winding stone path that cut through the emerald hillside. With every step I took, the structured netting of my skirt rustled with a heavy, regal sigh, while the shimmer-tulle floated effortlessly around my legs. Behind me,
