Ariella's POV
As Francis and I emerged from the forest, the shanty town came into view, but the scene before us caught my breath in my throat. The were-wolves were surrounded by a ring of royal guards, their silver uniforms gleaming harshly in the sunlight. The air was thick with palpable tension and fear. The were-wolves stood in a tight circle, their postures defensive, eyes darting from one guard to the next, clearly ready for a fight.
Sensing the charged atmosphere and recognizing the need for a calm approach, I turned to Francis. "Put me down, please," I requested quietly, but firmly. "I need to handle this on my feet."
Francis hesitated for a moment, his gaze assessing the situation, then nodded and gently set me down. As I steadied myself on my still-aching ankle, I felt the wei
