I go home like nothing happened.
I walk through the courtyard with the same measured pace I use every day, nodding once at a pair of warriors near the training yard, pausing briefly to ask a healer about supply stock, making my presence look routine instead of reactive. The pack wolf who followed me peels away near the main hall, pretending his detour was unrelated, and I do not look back to see where he goes.
When I reach my room, I close the door carefully, turn the lock, and stand still for one heartbeat too long.
Then I move.
Shower first.
The water runs hot, almost punishing, and I scrub my hair twice, fingers digging into my scalp until the skin tingles, as if friction can smooth the spike of adrenaline still riding beneath my ribs. I rinse and scrub again, letting the steam clo
