Morning arrived slowly over the estate.
Mist clung to the courtyard stones.
The early air carried a damp quietness that seemed heavier than usual while pale sunlight crept across the ancient walls of the council hall, and though the estate had survived war the silence now settling over its grounds felt less like peace and more like the uneasy pause before another storm gathered beyond sight.
Luca stood alone near the council doors.
His hands rested in his coat pockets.
The Beta rarely looked uncertain in front of the pack because his blunt confidence had always been part of the strength that made warriors trust his leadership during battle, yet this morning the lines in his face carried something deeper than exhaustion as old memories began pressing quietly against the edges of his thoughts.
He exhaled slowly.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath.
The heavy wooden doors opened behind him.
