She straightened, recognizing the shift in my demeanor. This wasn't Daisy Thompson asking—this was Queen Marabelle giving her first command.
"They await your orders, Your Majesty," she replied formally. "Three hundred loyal wolves stand ready."
"And the Blood Rite?" I asked. "Can it be performed before the formal opening of the Conclave?"
Lady Vivienne's eyes widened slightly as she caught my meaning. "Technically, yes. The Sacred Stone remains accessible to Council members at all times. If we could get you there..."
"Then that's what we do," I decided. "We move now, tonight, while Marc is still preparing for a confrontation days from now. We reach the Sacred Stone, perform the Blood Rite, and establish my claim before he can stop us."
Jackson squeezed my hand, his support flowing thr
