The ground beneath them seemed to erupt as vile, twisted creatures emerged as far as the eye could see, bringing with them a stench that was so overpowering a multitude of hands flew upwards to cover their faces with the masks of their attire as they gagged violently.The rotting flesh of the gargantuan beast that seemed to detach itself from the mountainside rippled disgustingly as it lumbered towards them, vile fluids oozing from the open sores and dripping down onto the mass of creatures swarming below it.The entire convoy seemed to freeze momentarily in pure, unadulterated terror as the scene that looked as though it had been ripped straight from a horror movie unfolded before them.In seconds, the Enclave's guards sprung into action. Those that couldn't shift readied their weapons and offensive magick as the sound of breaking bones whilst the shifters changed filled the air. An eerie symphony rippled through the landscape, filled with the cacophony of grunts and otherworldly shri

　　The hum of chatter faded as soon as the Steward announced their arrival and every person in attendance stood and turned to watch the newly instated royal couple with interest. 　　Ann took a deep breath to steady her nerves as unobtrusively as she could. She forced a demure smile on her face as she and Adam made their way toward their seats and tried desperately to ignore the countless judgemental eyes now focused solely on her.　　The Royal Table sat at the far back of the room, elevated slightly above the others on a beautifully sculpted dais. Two ornate chairs, crafted in Silver and decorated expertly with reliefs of the Moon Goddess and her first children sculpted into the metalwork, sat central to the table, flanked on either side by additional chairs for the most senior of the Royal Enclave.　　As Ann and Adam passed the many faces of the wide array of dignitaries assembled in the banquet hall, they held their heads high as the surrounding shifters bowed their heads or bared their

"The 12th Garrison?" Adam asked, his expression one of deep thought, "How were you alerted to the convoy's demise?" "Generally we track the progress from the 11th garrison at the receiving end through the Ravine with spotters from our garrison. We hadn't heard from the spotters for longer than was normal, and had begun to mobilize a search party." Greyson explained calmly, "They were about to leave when a group of Aurochs, that we know are used for transport there, entered the bottom of the valley in a panicked state."Adam nodded thoughtfully as Greyson explained, scrutinizing his face subtly and checking for any trace of dishonesty."As soon as the lookout at the Garrison reported it, we mobilized a force to intercept and conduct reconnaissance in the area. We knew that it meant nothing good as there was no trace of the guards or the convoy that they were supposed to be attached to, so support was requested from the 11th Garrison as well.""Did they call the wyverns in to help?" Bar

Ann and Adam made their way back to their quarters under the escort of the Royal guards and once inside, Ann gratefully closed the door behind her.It was glaringly obvious that they wouldn't be able to return to the palace anytime soon, so Adam set about making arrangements to have some of their personal effects sent over whilst Ann got herself changed out of the ceremonial attire and into something a little more comfortable.She wasn't sure that leggings and an oversized T-shirt were what constituted acceptable attire for a reigning Alpha Queen, but she was past caring at this point. She just wanted to be comfortable and free of distractions so that she could think clearly.She settled herself on the edge of the bed and sent a quick message to Mimi, requesting a few items of clothing that she knew she was lacking for official functions, diplomatic liaisons, and possibly for the meetings within the Enclave too. If at all possible she would much rather reserve the impractical gowns fo

Coral guided them to the dining hall under the escort of the royal guard and as they entered the hall, everyone that had been seated stood instantly and bowed their heads in their direction."I'm not gonna lie, I kind of miss having a quiet breakfast without the audience already," Ann murmured to Adam, who chuckled in response.Ann motioned for them to sit as she took her seat and the breakfast dishes were brought out."Goddess, is it going to be like this every time we eat?" Ann frowned as she watched plate after plate of dishes being unloaded onto the table in front of them."I mean, at least we know you'll never be short of choice." Adam chuckled.The seating arrangements were the same at the Royal Table as they had been the night before and Ann found herself seated next to Bartholomew once more.She had already spotted Greyson and a few other faces she didn't recognize seated at one of the tables closest to theirs. Judging by their similarity in dress, she assumed they were p