Morning came with no hesitation.
There was no slow build, no gradual shift into the day. The tension that had settled overnight carried straight through, sharp and immediate, as if the territory itself understood what was coming.
Lyra didn’t feel uncertain.
She felt ready.
By the time she stepped onto the main grounds, people were already gathered. Not formally, not in organized lines, but in clusters that made it clear word had spread faster than expected. Conversations stopped when she walked past, not out of fear, but attention.
They were waiting.
Not just for answers.
For direction.
Kael joined her moments later, his presence steady as ever, his expression focused in a way that matched the atmosphere perfectly.
“They’re already here,” he said quietly.
Lyra followed his gaze.
