Morning comes to the jungle with soft light filtering through the canopy. Mist rises from the forest floor, curling between ancient trees. Birds call to each other, their songs echoing through the green expanse. The air is cool, fresh, carrying the scent of earth and growing things.

  The peaceful scene is momentarily disturbed by a couple of wolves running full speed.

  Aria rides on Unolf, her face serious, knuckles white as she grips his fur desperately. Her body bounces with each powerful stride. "Slow down!" she shouts, her voice strained. Unolf doesn't slow. He runs faster, his muscles working in perfect rhythm, paws barely touching the ground. "I said slow down! Not go faster!"

  Kai is faring only slightly better, but unlike Aria, he rides silently while holding on.

  Beneath him is a large wolf with copper-red fur and large canines. His thick fur flows in the wind as they move toward a familiar destination. Valdiris.

  The wolves slow as they approach the border. The dense jungle gives way to cleared land, and in the distance, the outline of guard towers and fortifications becomes visible.

  "Thank you," Aria says, catching her breath. She looks at Tara. "For helping us."

  She keeps her voice low. "We'll take you into the city, like you asked. Whatever business you have there is none of my concern—but we need to be careful."

  She continues, "When we approach the gates, the guards might be alarmed at the sight of wolves. But I have a plan."

  Tara watches them, his wolf form steady and alert. He doesn't move, doesn't respond. Just listens.

  Before they finish their discussion, a Mage's Guild contingent arrives. Several figures wear the distinctive robes—blue with silver trim—their staffs faintly glowing. Soldiers spread out to surround the group.

  A tall woman with sharp features and an authoritative air steps up. "Aria?" she asks, her voice carrying both surprise and subtle exasperation.

  Aria nods, stepping forward with her characteristic confidence. "Lady Elara! Took you long enough to find me."

  Elara's sharp eyes narrow slightly, though a hint of amusement flickers across her face. "We were finally able to track you after a long time. Honestly, Aria, you make yourself quite difficult to locate. Lady Seraphina has been worried sick about you."

  Aria grins unrepentantly. "What can I say? I'm talented that way."

  Elara looks at the wolves, her eyes widening slightly. "And these...?"

  "Our saviors," Aria says simply. "They rescued us from the brink of death. Literally pulled us out of a river after Xian soldiers tried to turn us into pincushions."

  Elara studies the wolves carefully. "Impressive specimens, but dangerous-looking. Most people don't keep wild monsters as companions. The guards will panic."

  Aria adds, "These wolves are intelligent—more intelligent than Kai here."

  Kai shoots Aria a flat look, then steps forward calmly, bowing respectfully. "Kai, my lady. Aria's training partner from Xian. I helped her escape."

  Elara assesses him professionally. "A Xian defector. That complicates things. But Aria's judgment is usually... interesting."

  Aria snorts. "Hey! My judgment is excellent. Remember that time I saved the class from that malfunctioning training golem? Spot-on."

  Elara's composed facade cracks slightly, a subtle smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "Wonderful. Giant wolves as exotic pets. This should make for an interesting report to Lady Seraphina. 'Dear Lady Seraphina, Aria has returned with two walking disasters and a Xian defector. Please advise.'"

  She gestures to the soldiers. "We'll escort you into the city. For appearances, the wolves stay leashed. We call them special companions. Understood?"

  Aria nods quickly. "Understood."

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  Kai glances at Aria, concern in his eyes. She gives him a subtle nod—trust me.

  The plan is set. The group—now officially under Guild supervision—travels toward the Mage's Guild headquarters inside the city. The wolves wear collars and leashes for show, escorted by soldiers who look more amused than concerned about these "exotic pets."

  As they approach the city gates, the guards there do a double-take. "What in the... wolves? In collars?"

  Elara maintains her composed demeanor. "Guild business, guards. These are... special companions. Quite tame."

  One guard, a burly man with a beard that looks like it could hide a family of squirrels, leans in closer to examine Tara. "Tame? This one looks like it could pull a plow. After eating the bull."

  Aria grins. "He's actually quite the gentleman. Just don't challenge him to a staring contest—you'll lose."

  The guard chuckles despite himself. "Right. Well, pass through. But if they start howling at midnight, Master Voren might try to turn them into mana crystals."

  Through the city gates they go. Terra's streets bustle with morning activity, and the sight of giant wolves causes commotion.

  A fruit vendor, engrossed in his work, sees the procession and drops the fruit in his hand. "Great gods above! Wolves in the city?!"

  Aria calls out. "Don't worry, good sir! They're on a strict diet."

  Tara thinks. "This city seems entertaining. Though I could do without the leash—it's insulting for a pack leader. Still, this 'pet' disguise is working better than expected. Perhaps I should start charging for the show."

  Finally, they reach the imposing Mage Tower, its spire piercing the sky, glowing faintly with protective wards. Guards at the entrance salute Elara respectfully.

  "Welcome back, Lady Elara," one says, though his eyes dart nervously to the wolves.

  Elara nods. "Thank you. We're expected by Lady Seraphina."

  Tara settles casually against a stone bench, his massive form sprawling out comfortably as if he owns the place. Unolf, however, remains alert, his ears perked and eyes scanning the courtyard for any potential threats or interesting developments.

  Tara thinks. "Finally. I hope they remove this undignified collar soon—it's chafing my imperial dignity. But we've made it. Now to see what this Mage's Guild has to offer. Knowledge, power, or just more humans with pointy hats?"

  Elara turns to Aria. "Lady Seraphina will want a full debriefing."

  Suddenly, Elara's expression changes, becoming more serious. She raises her hand, and several mages behind her begin chanting softly. Glowing runes appear in the air, forming intricate binding circles.

  Before anyone can react, magical bindings erupt from the ground—ethereal chains of light that wrap around Kai's arms and legs, restricting his movement. Similar bindings coil around Tara and Unolf, the magic pulsing with restraining energy.

  Tara thinks. "What is this? This magic... it's strong."

  Kai struggles briefly against the bindings, his eyes widening in shock. "What is the meaning of this?!"

  Elara's voice remains composed, but firm. "Standard protocol for unknowns. Lady Seraphina will want to speak with you personally. All of you."

  Aria looks shocked. "Elara! This wasn't part of the plan!"

  "Plans change, Aria," Elara replies smoothly. "This is for everyone's safety. Including yours."

  The magical bindings glow steadily, holding the three stunned captives in place.

  ********* Chapter end *********

  *New year brings new commitments! I’ll be posting around three chapters per week and will update you soon with the exact schedule.*