Rowan returned some days after.
The training yard was already full when he walked through the east gate. Warriors paused mid swing, bowing to acknowledge his presence. Nyssa's staff lowered, Lois straightened from where he had been leaning against the equipment rack. The Alpha had not been seen outside the library in nearly a week. His presence shifted the air.
Aria was stretching near the far wall when he entered but she didn't stop stretching.
Rowan crossed the yard. He spoke briefly to Lois, nodded at Nyssa, then made his way toward her. His footsteps were slow. The same way he approached everything.
"Aria."
"Alpha." Her voice was flat and formal. She finished her stretch and straightened.
"I'll be overseeing your training again. Starting today."
"Understood."
There was a beat o
