The palace had grown quieter since the Wolf Trial.
The Royal Wolves had accepted Kaelira.
But instead of bringing peace…
It only created new enemies.
Some nobles bowed lower than before.
Others refused to meet her eyes.
Fear had changed its shape.
Now it wore the mask of obedience.
Late that evening, Kaelira returned to her chamber after another exhausting meeting with the Council.
She expected to find another black feather.
Instead…
A folded letter rested in the center of her bed.
There was no seal.
No ribbon.
No sign of how it had gotten there.
The guards outside hadn’t seen anyone enter.
Again.
Kaelira’s heartbeat quickened.
She slowly unfolded the paper.
The first line made her blood run cold.
If you’re reading this, they haven’t silenced you… yet.
She immediately
