CIAN
The afternoon sun slanted through the windows of my study. I'd been working for hours. Trade reports. Border patrols. The usual business of running a pack. My mind had finally stopped circling back to breakfast. To the empty chair. To Fia's absence.
I was almost calm.
Then a knock shattered that calm.
"Enter."
One of the gate guards stepped inside. Young. Nervous. The kind of nervous that came from bearing news he knew I wouldn't like.
"Alpha." He bowed quickly. "There are visitors at the gates."
I set down my pen. "Who?"
"Luna Isobel of Silver Creek. And her daughter Hazel."
The words hit me like cold water.
I stood slowly. Carefully. Keeping my expression neutral even though my mind was racing. "They're here? At Skollrend?"
"Yes, Alpha. They're requesting entry. Luna Isobel says she comes in peace. That she wishes to pay her respects and..." He hesitated. "And her daughter wishes to see her sister."
Of course she did.
