We never made it to the horses.

The council guards intercepted us at the eastern gate, a full squadron in formal armor. Not an invitation. An arrest.

"Alpha Darius. Miss Vale." The captain's voice was professionally neutral. "The council requests your immediate presence in the grand hall."

"We were just summoned an hour ago," Darius said, his hand on his sword hilt.

"New developments. Please come peacefully."

The implied threat hung in the air. Come peacefully or be dragged.

I touched ...