Nyx did not return to the hall.
She didn’t need to.
Everything that mattered had already been said.
The corridors were quieter now.
Not completely empty.
They were never completely empty.
Guards moved in doubled numbers, their steps echoing against the stone, their senses stretched thin, alert for something they could not name.
The air felt wrong.
Heavier.
Like something unseen had settled into the walls themselves.
Ronan walked beside her.
Silent.
Watchful.
Elira followed just behind.
Slower.
Thoughtful.
“You should rest,” Ronan said quietly.
Nyx didn’t look at him.
“I will.”
She didn’t mean sleep.
They reached the chamber prepared for her.
It had once belonged to visiting Alphas.
Now—
It felt like a place waiting for something.
Nyx stepped inside.
The fire in the
