“What do you think of it?” he asked quietly, his voice low and steady.
River blinked, almost as if she had to remind herself to breathe. Her voice, when it came, was a whisper of awe.
“It’s breathtaking… like something from a fairytale.”
He smiled—only slightly—but there was warmth behind it. Then his expression shifted, more serious.
“Good. Because we’ll need every ounce of strength and clarity to protect it.”
She turned to him, sensing the change.
“Why?” she asked softly.
Heiko’s eyes flicked to the large, iron-rimmed doors leading to the council wing before returning to her.
“Because tonight,” he said, “we’re attending our first event. Lord Diego—the interim Lord—is hosting a celebration at his estate in our honour. All twelve of the pack leaders will be there.”
River hesitated
