Chapter 4 — **Chapter 4**

Seraya

My gaze locks on the horizon ahead. In the far distance, the faint outline of a town emerges, its towering silhouette a beacon of hope. This must be the capital, the heart of the royal pack. A flicker of determination stirs within me—if we can just reach it, we might yet be safe.

Behind us, screams pierce the air, and my chest tightens with dread. “Don’t look back, Princess,” Royan pleads, his voice strained but firm. “Your friends are safe. Our warriors have them covered.”

“And your warriors?” I gasp, struggling to keep pace on my horse.

Royan shoots me a sidelong glance, a flicker of something unreadable—surprise, perhaps—crossing his face. “You’re worried for them?”