The first scream came after midnight.
It cut through the compound like a blade dragged too slowly across skin. Not loud enough to wake everyone. Just sharp enough to wake the ones already listening for it.
Lyra was on her feet before the second scream ended.
She didn’t wait for guards. She didn’t call for Mara. The bond pulled her forward, hot and insistent, like it already knew where the sound had come from.
The infirmary.
She ran.
Torches flared as wolves poured into the corridors, half-dressed, weapons half-grabbed, fear snapping awake faster than reason. Lyra pushed past them, breath burning, heart hammering.
The infirmary doors were open.
That was wrong.
Inside, chaos reigned.
Beds overturned. Supplies scattered. A healer sobbing in the corner, hands slick with blood, she co
