C28 The Cradle's Daughter

The night didn't wait.

The horns sounded from the gates—long, low, shuddering—before the uneasiness in the hall could subside. Wolves froze mid-step, hackles rising.

Thorn was already moving, his growl rolling through the corridors. “Positions. Now.”

I followed, shadows twitching like live wires beneath my skin. The courtyard was illuminated by torchlight