*Alec*

The shadows had lengthened into evening by the time the Whitelark warriors entered the outskirts of Estoria. The shifters, who had started the journey laughing and joking in the wake of their victory, had grown quiet and now trudged wearily towards the warm lights of the village ahead.

I had spent the afternoon guarding my pack from behind, as my father had done before me. It also gave me a clear sightline to the princess as she limped along in front of me, ...