The bell rang once—clear, high, and full of promise.
Grace stood at the center of Ironclaw's courtyard, surrounded by banners of twin wolves beneath a rising sun. Children laughed as they poured through the gates of Johnson's Haven, their arms full of books and lanterns.
Aldric joined her on the steps. “They're early."
“They're excited," Grace said with a smile. “It's their first day."
He nodded toward the new mural painted across the academy's arch. “You approved that?"
The painting showed two wolves—one silver, one tawny—standing beneath a flowering dogwood.
Grace's gaze lingered on it. “It's not just about who we were. It's about what we became."
A voice called from the crowd. “Luna Grace!"
She turned as a small pup ran up, holding a handmade flower crown.
“Miss Tora said we sh
