Chapter - 167
By the time the first faint light of dawn touched the spires of the capital city, two sky serpents—their massive, sinuous bodies slicing through the air—descended upon the royal palace. The beasts had flown tirelessly through the night, their powerful wings carrying their riders at speeds no mortal horse could match.
Atop one rode Queen Eleanor, her emerald cloak billowing behind her, her hands clenched into fists around the reins. The other carried Loriel, her keen eyes scanning the palace courtyard as they descended.
As soon as they landed, palace attendants rushed forward, but Eleanor ignored them, dismounting with a grace that belied her exhaustion. She had no time for pleasantries. The kingdom was on the brink of war.
Her boots struck the stone pavement with determination as she strode inside.