Preparation did not begin with noise.
It began with decisions.
By morning, the palace felt different again.
Not tense.
Not quiet.
Focused.
Lyra was already awake when Kael entered.
Not resting.
Not waiting.
Planning.
“You’re early,” he said.
“I’ve been thinking.”
He didn’t need to ask about what.
She was sitting upright, the twins beside her, her posture steadier than it had been the day before.
“You’re sure?” he asked.
Lyra met his gaze without hesitation.
“Yes.”
A pause.
“Then we do it properly.”
Lyra nodded.
“Not rushed.”
“Not hidden.”
“Not half-done.”
Kael’s expression softened slightly.
“Never half-done.”
The first orders were simple.
But they carried weight.
“Send word to the council,” Kael instructed.
The guard standing at the door bowed immediately.
“Te
