Dawn never fully reached Ironhowl anymore.
Not since Kael vanished beneath the blood-moon's light.
The sun rose, yes—but it dimmed at the edges, as if the sky mourned with the wolves below.
---
The hall was full when Ilena entered.
Not with cheers. Not with silence.
But with breath—held, uncertain, reverent.
She wore no crown. No cloak.
Only gray, ashen travel leathers, and at her side… the moonstone reliquary.
Inside it: the last fragments of Kael's body, gathered after the ritual—the ash that still *radiated* warmth.
Isolde, standing beside the council table, held out the lid carved from ancient lunar crystal.
“Have you chosen?" she asked.
Ilena didn't hesitate.
“I will not rule here," she said, voice clear.
Gasps rippled.
“I will not stay in halls where his echo walks eve
