ned clear and cold, with frost

legant without being showy, its sleeves embroidered with small silver leaves. When she looked in the mirror, she saw tired eyes and a face

sh hay to the guest stalls, and Beta Rowan's wife, Helena, directed the servants placing lanterns along the main road. Del

this," her mother said when she fou

, I'll start thi

ou do not have to be useful every

y. "But I am useful, and I enj

pressing further. That was one of the things Delia loved about

The Pine Hollow delegation followed in dark travelling cloaks, bringing gifts of smoked venison and carved wooden bowls. There were merchants from the

oms, and introduced elders who had not seen one another in years. It was easier to be confident when she

ital

ers looked away too quickly. The story of Theo and Lila had spread, and the pack had begun treating Delia as if hea

er beside the fountain. "You have

eeches. I prefer g

p Alpha Gideon from argui

helping before ever

"You should ru

Mother wou

." He handed her a small plate with bread and cheese. "Sit do

water and watched the crowd. Children ran between the tables while their parents called after them. A mu

a sealed note for Alpha Marcus. He looked ner

ha availabl

elia replied. "You can give the note to

yal court: a black wolf beneath a crown. Delia's fingers paused on the wax. She h

it?" Cal

did not break the seal. "

lphas. When he saw the royal seal, his expression changed. He thanked the messe

it say?" G

t confirms that the Alpha King will attend th

re never treated as ordinary events. Stories about him travelled farther than his messengers did. some said he was

met, yet that strange sensation stirred again, stronger than before. It was as if a distant sound had

Caleb asked when he ca

'm only

nvinced, but did not

congratulations from friends and relatives. Delia offered them a smile when their eyes met, then turned to help Mara ar

yalty, shared borders, and the honour of receiving a royal guest. Cheers ros

Something about the coming visit felt familiar in a way that made no sense. She did not know

no one until it arrived, and she would not let a strange fee

and a family trying to learn how to heal. Delia returned to the ha