Lyra point of view.

I made sure to arrive before anyone could tell me not to.

The gates of Shadowfang were already open when my carriage stopped, guards moving with the quiet efficiency of a pack that never truly rested.

One of them stepped forward, eyes narrowing the moment he recognized me.

“My lady,” he said carefully, “this gathering is council-related.”

“I know,” I replied with a small, polite smile. “That’s why I’m here, it's pack diplomacy.” I tilted my head ...