Winterspire

Ailith

As we crested the final hill the next afternoon, my breath caught in my throat. The castle rose before us, its stone walls gleaming like polished silver in the crisp morning light. Turrets and towers stretched skyward, their peaks lost in a veil of mist that clung to the mountainside.

"It's... magnificent," I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from the sight.

Garrick gave a small shrug and chuckled softly beside me. "It's home."

We approached the massive iron gates, which creaked open at our arrival. I tensed instinctively, my hand brushing against Garrick's arm. He gave me a reassuring smile.

"Welcome to Winterspire," he said, his voice warm with pride.

As we entered the courtyard, a flurry of activity erupted around us. Pack members emerged from every direction, their faces alight with excitement and curiosity. I felt myself shrinking back, overwhelmed by the sudden onslaught of unfamiliar faces and scents.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper hair strode towa