When the time finally came, the manor had already grown quiet. The lanterns in the hallways burned low, and the guards outside had begun their night patrols. Althea stood by her window, her heart thudding softly in her chest.

She wrapped herself in a dark cloak, pulling the hood over her head. Ash lay curled near the door, watching her with alert eyes.

“Stay here,” she whispered, gently patting its head. “I’ll be back soon.”

The wolf gave a low whine but obeyed.

Althea closed her ...