We get back from North late, snow in boots, Jace riding next to me now not behind, which feels strange but good.
My forearm cut from Rowan's knife is already closed, thin pink line, third small scar to add to collection. Caelan keeps looking at it while we ride, like he wants to wrap it even though it stopped bleeding hours ago.
Castle is dark when we arrive. No lights in Great Hall. Mara meets us at stable, face white, holding letter.
"Theo's sister," she whispers to Theo before we even dismount. "Council took her this morning while you were gone."
Theo goes still. Grey mare Ash shifts under me because I flinch.
"What?" Theo says. Voice flat, not loud.
Mara hands letter, Council seal red wax.
Theo reads, hands shaking. Jace reads over shoulder.
Letter says: Eastern Pack loyalty qu
