Nero and his group set out in the early morning hours. The sun had just risen, painting the sky in pink and orange hues. Talor was in front, Nero and Elise in the middle, while Reizo and the other guards followed behind.
"Vulwin's growing closeness with Duke William worries me," said Elise from atop her horse. "William has a powerful army and could use his resources against us."
"I understand your concern," said Nero. "But remember, we have powerful allies too. Our alliance with the Kingdom of Crenia will shift the balance of power."
A few hours after crossing the imperial border, strange sounds began emanating from the depths of the forest. Talor's hand moved to his sword hilt. Suddenly, a massive wolf burst forth from between the trees—three times the size of a normal wolf, its eyes glowing with red light.
