Dogkin, thousands of them, flooded into the streets, weapons drawn. But their expressions were full of disbelief.
Their eyes widened as they took in the city around them. Emberfang was burning. The walls were scorched. The gates shattered. Corpses of lionkin and beasts littered the streets.
"Did… that little detachment cause all this?"
"Did they… really take the city on their own?"
"Impossible!"
"Where's Father?" Kitsara asked, interrupting their gawking.
The nearest warriors jolted. Their heads snapped to her, and their eyes bulged as they took in her features.
"The princess…"
"Lady Kitsara…"
Recognition spread fast, and they quickly bowed, one of them motioning toward the central avenue.
"This way, my lady," he said with a tremble in his voice.
I followed as the soldiers parted for us.
After a minute or so, I saw him. Vargis stood at the center of the road, already in conversation with a familiar face. Darius. Kitsara's brother.
