Atticus stared at him for several long moments before eventually sighing inwardly and stepping into the circle.
To him, trust was something that had to be earned. But until then, the least he could do was grant his bond's mother the benefit of the doubt.
As Atticus stepped into the formation, the others soon followed behind him.
A moment later, the Pride Queen's eyes erupted with intense golden light that spread through the formation like liquid gold racing across paper.
Then the world twisted violently.
A powerful force yanked Atticus away.
…
Atticus opened his eyes.
A vast chamber revealed itself before him.
Marbled floors stretched into the distance while massive golden chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm glow across the hall.
He stood atop a slightly elevated platform marked with the same formation the Pride Queen had drawn moments earlier.
'Where is this?'
Just as Atticus was about to spread out his perception, the doors burst open.
