As Axelius lounged at the table, lazily picking at the fruit bowl placed in front of him, a sudden shift in the crowd's murmurs caught his attention. A wave of awe swept across the gathering like a strong wind brushing through tall grass.
"Whoa," Owen breathed, bouncing once on Axelius's shoulder.
Axelius turned his head and followed Owen's gaze. The crowd parted slightly as a young woman entered with steady steps. She was tall for her age, her long red hair braided over one shoulder, and her golden eyes gleaming with sharp awareness. A long dark coat trimmed in silver fluttered gently with each step, and behind her padded a majestic beast—part wolf, part feline, with white fur streaked with silver and glowing eyes.
"That's her! That's her!" Owen whispered excitedly. "That's Naelia Dravenhart! She's only fifteen, but she's already called the greatest tamer! Her beast companion was born from an elemental egg—super rare! She's the pride of your branch."
