"I came with him to make sure you were safe," Thornak said.
Lara lowered herself in a curtsey. "Thank you Your Majesty. That's very kind of you. I am truly honored."
Thornak was heartbroken. He couldn't imagine why fate would be so cruel.
For a moment, he couldn't breathe. The sound of her voice, her scent, it soothed him and soothed his wolf. She stood right there, close enough for him to reach out, yet she looked at him as if he were a stranger on the road.
....
Back in the demon realm...
The sorcerer stormed through the great doors of the Demon King's hall, his dark robes trailing behind like smoke.
The throne room was a dark, massive hall built with black stone, and filled with the scent of wine and a strange, heavy smell no one could quite name.
