Valen's gaze swept across the courtyard as she made her way down the stone steps, her posture straight, her expression composed, though her mind was already working through the possibilities behind the shift in atmosphere.
Guards stood more alert than usual, their stances tighter, their attention divided between their duties and whatever had unsettled them.
A young guard approached her quickly, his movements respectful but hurried, his unease barely concealed beneath his attempt at composure.
"Sir Valen," he said, bowing slightly before straightening, his voice carrying a faint urgency that did not belong in routine reports. "There is… a situation at the outer gates."
Valen's eyes narrowed slightly "what kind of situation?" she asked, her tone calm but firm as she studied him carefully.
The guard hesitated briefly, "a unknown wolf pack has arrived," he said, choosing his words carefully. "They are requesting entry into the kingdom."
