If you like music while you're reading, try "Ain't No Grave – Epic Trailer Version" by Hidden Citizens + Adam Christopher. It's what I was listening to while I wrote this!
*****
AARYN
The hammock bumped to the ground and Aaryn was on his feet, sprinting for the cave mouth amid cries from the guards and patrols that had seen them coming.
The birds called, telling them it was Aaryn, as he ran as fast as his legs could carry him into the cave.
Two sentries stood at the tunnel mouth, both leveling their spears when they heard his footsteps, but he didn't even slow.
"I am your King and you will submit, I go at the order of the Queen!" he snarled, throwing every ounce of his Alpha power into the words.
The guards shuddered and dropped to their knees, their spears clattering to the stone floor.
Then, as the portal bloomed that blueish white and began to swirl, he leaped through.
