Selene’s POV
The fortress did not rest after victory; it only learned to breathe differently.
For three days the halls smelled of thawing wax and smoke. The servants moved softly, whispering as they scrubbed soot from the stones. Everywhere I went, the sound of repairs followed me—hammering, sweeping, the slow work of hands relearning purpose.
It was strange to see sunlight pouring through windows that had always burned with torchlight. The cold hadn’t left Ravaryn, but it felt cleaner now, like air after rain.
Kael had spent most of the past day in the council chamber, hearing petitions. The wolves of the outer packs had begun to arrive—skeptical, cautious, their loyalty still uncertain. I could sense their confusion in every bowed head, every murmured “my lady” that came too late or
