"Your Highness, I share Lambert's view. Baron Torin cannot be trusted."
After Lambert had spoken, Garrett added his own blunt assessment. "He is a jackal, waiting for the moment to strike. We would be better served putting our faith in Sir Godfrey."
Ava did not turn. She continued to gaze out at the lights of Soaring Bird City, her hair stirring in the night breeze, her eyes holding a new and profound depth.
...
Half a month passed in a blur of travel and preparation. Prince Theodore and Kronos's party finally reached Soaring Bird City, but they did not linger. They collected Princess Ava and immediately set off, heading deeper into the heart of the human kingdom.
From the city walls, Baron Torin watched their caravan recede into the distance. His eyes narrowed, his gaze flickering with indecipherable thoughts, yet his expression was one of intense focus.
