Ally's POV

　　The grand hall of the Luparian Kingdom is a tumultuous sea of snarls and snapping teeth, a cacophony of aggression swelling in the air. I can almost taste the metallic tinge of impending violence on my tongue.

　　"Ally," Elliot breathes beside me, his presence a grounding force amidst the pandemonium, "the new security team is in position."

　　His voice cuts through the chaos- sharp, clear, authoritative. I nod, feeling the shift in atmosphere ...