Primal Outcasts

Chapter 16: Bound by Red

Few hours later, during the questioning of the assassin, Amy heads outside, where she meets the Princess, Spinoella. "So you're the princess here. I would never figured it out when you wear clothes like that in public earlier."

Spinoella chuckled, leaning against a stone pillar as she looked out over the bustling city below. "That's the point. If I went out dressed like a princess, I'd never get to enjoy a simple shopping trip."

Amy crossed her arms, smirking. "So, sneaking out is a regular thing for you?"

Spinoella shrugged. "Let's just say I like seeing the city from a different perspective. When you're a royal, people treat you differently. Sometimes, I just want to be... me."

Amy nodded in understanding. "I get that. Must be nice to step away from the whole 'princess' thing now and then."

Spinoella gave her a knowing look. "And what about you? You don't seem like you're from around here."

Amy laughed. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

Spinoella studied her for a moment before smirking. "I think I like you, Amy."

Amy laughed. "Yeah, you're not so bad yourself."

Their moment was interrupted by a sudden gust of wind. Feathers drifted through the air.

Amy barely had time to reach for her wand before one of the birds slammed into her, knocking the wind out of her lungs. Spinoella, caught off guard, managed to land a punch on one attacker, but another quickly restrained her arms.

The sudden assault sent the palace guards into a frenzy, but the Birds were fast—too fast. Within moments, they had subdued their targets and lifted off into the sky, disappearing beyond the city walls before anyone could intervene.

As the incident, Kuma stepped out into the fresh air, letting out a deep breath. The tension from the meeting and the assassination attempt still lingered in his mind. As he wandered through the courtyard, he spotted a familiar figure—Thalina, the triceratops fortune teller.

Kuma blinked in surprise. "Wait, you're here too?"

Thalina chuckled, her golden eyes twinkling. "Of course. Did you think I was just some wandering fortune teller charging runes for my services?" She smirked. "I also serve as an advisor to King Ravok. My abilities make me quite useful when it comes to sensing threats and guiding decisions."

Kuma's eyes widened. "You're a royal sage?"

Thalina nodded. "A title I prefer to keep low-profile when I'm in the city. It helps me understand the people better when they don't see me as just another figure of authority."

Kuma scratched his head, realizing just how much more important she was than he initially thought. "So, does that mean you knew about the assassin before he even struck?"

Thalina let out a small sigh. "Not everything can be foreseen. Fate is always shifting, like sand in the wind. But I did sense a shadow lurking close." She looked at him intently. "And I sense there is still more danger ahead... especially for you, Kuma."

Kuma tensed at her words, his thoughts racing. What else was coming?

Thalina was about to speak when a guard hurried into the courtyard, his armor clinking with each step.

"Lady Thalina," the guard said with a respectful bow. "King Ravok has summoned you. He requests your insight on an urgent matter."

Thalina exhaled through her nose, her expression unreadable. "Of course. Tell the King I will be there shortly."