The gates of Virelith did not open quietly.
They opened with intention.
Lyra stood at the entrance, her hands resting lightly at her sides.
Not clenched.
Not uncertain.
Steady.
Behind her, members of Kael’s pack stood in quiet formation.
Not as a barrier.
As acknowledgment.
Her pack had arrived.
She saw them before they fully crossed the threshold.
Familiar faces.
Familiar movements.
But the way they looked at her
that was different.
Not dismissal.
Not indifference.
Recognition.
Lyra stepped forward.
“You’re welcome here,” she said.
Her voice carried.
Clear.
Measured.
And just like that,
something shifted.
They bowed.
Not deeply.
Not formally.
But enough.
Respect.
Lyra felt it settle in her chest.
Not as pride.
As closure.
From the corner of her eye, she fe
