Ryder POV

The letter arrives at noon, delivered by a young wolf in official Council colors who leaves immediately after dropping it on Cass's desk.

I know what it is before I open it. The heavy paper, the wax seal, the formal script. I've seen enough Council correspondence to recognize it on sight.

Cass stands beside me as I break the seal and unfold the letter. "Bad news?" His voice carries that careful neutrality he uses when he already knows the answer.

"The worst kind." I scan the contents, ...