Rain fell with purpose.
It wasn’t the violent kind that scoured the land clean, nor the gentle mist that softened edges. It came straight down in steady lines, soaking banners and stone alike, dulling sound and sharpening intent. Aurelia stood beneath the Stronghold’s gate arch as the Assembly envoy approached, cloak dark with water, steps unhurried.
Kane stayed at her side. Not looming. Not defiant. Present.
The Sovereign Alpha waited a pace behind them, hands clasped, eyes unreadable.
The envoy stopped precisely at the threshold one boot on Stronghold stone, the other on neutral ground. A deliberate choice.
“Boundary respected,” the envoy said, inclining his head. “As requested.”
Aurelia returned the nod. “Say your terms.”
“No preamble?” the envoy asked mildly.
“No theater,” Aure
