The heavy front doors of the Silver Creek pack house shut behind us, cutting off the suffocating tension that had hung over the council room. Stepping out onto the grand stone stairs, the crisp, late-afternoon air hit my face, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I’d been holding. The gravel driveway was already lined with our black, armored royal transport trucks, their engines idling in a low, synchronized rumble. Jaxson's promised escort warriors stood at attention beside their own vehicles, ready to clear our path to the territory borders.
"Everything is loaded and secure, Your Majesty," Luke reported, stepping forward from the lead truck and bowing his head respectfully. Carlos stood by the passenger side door of the main SUV, his hand ready on the handle.
"Good," I replied, smoo
