The towering black gates of the royal citadel groaned open.
A cold wind swept through the palace courtyard, carrying with it the scent of mountain frost and damp pine.
Rows of armored guards immediately dropped to one knee, their fists pressed hard against their chests as the familiar, suffocating pressure of their sovereign washed over them.
"Your Majesty."
No one dared raise their heads.
Cassian strode through the gates without slowing his pace.
His long black robes fluttered heavily behind him, the crimson lining stained with flecks of dark mud from the Whispering Woods.
Resting securely in his arms was the unconscious Female, her small body wrapped tightly inside his heavy cloak.
He held her tucked close against his chest, his large hand anchoring her against his heartbeat as if defying the world to take her back.
Her pale face was almost completely hidden under the dark fabric, only a few strands of her short black hair escaping into the cold night air.
