Marcus lunged. The figure raised one hand. Marcus froze mid-leap, his body locked.
“Don’t,” the Architect said. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here to negotiate.”
“Release him,” Sera commanded.
“Of course.” The Architect gestured. Marcus dropped, gasping. “See? Reasonable.”
Sera moved between the Architect and Rachel. “How did you get past our perimeter?”
“I walked through the front gate. Your wolves let me in because they trust me. Because I’ve given them no reason not to.” The Architect settled into a chair uninvited. “Councillor Margaret. Regional Elder. Trusted advisor to dozens of alphas across two centuries. Yes, Sera. I’ve been here the entire time.”
“Elder Margaret is—” Luna started.
“Dead. Has been for six months. I’ve been wearing her face since then. Quite comfortable, actua
