Lyra,s POV
The messenger arrived three days after the Council session, still dusty from the road, requesting an audience with such urgency that Darius interrupted my morning lessons with Mira to deliver the news himself.
"Mooncrest colors," Darius said, nodding toward the window overlooking the courtyard below, where a lone rider dismounted near the stables. "Whatever this is, they rode hard to bring it."
My stomach twisted immediately. "Do you know what it's about?"
"Not yet. Cassian's meeting with him now. He asked that you join once you're ready."
I found Cassian in his study minutes later, the messenger standing stiffly before his desk, travel-worn and clearly exhausted. He straightened further when I entered, bowing awkwardly in a way that made it clear he wasn't entirely certain
