Marcus POV
I sent it.
The wind shifts again.
For a second, just a second - I feel something under the soil move.
Not Oakwood.
Not Moonstone.
Something else.
Watching.
The realization settles heavy in my chest.
Oakwood isn't testing territory.
They're testing timing.
And they're not afraid of us.
They're waiting.
For what, I don't know yet.
But I do know this:
Neutral ground is gone.
And the next time they cross that line?
It won't be to talk.
*****
Catherine POV
Beatrice doesn't knock.
The doors to my chamber open and close with quiet finality.
She's alone.
That's the first thing I noticed.
No guards. No Marcus. No audience.
Good.
"Is this urgent?" I ask without looking up from the report in my hand.
"Yes."
Not emotional. Not dramatic.
Certain.
I set the slate down.
Beatrice steps forward and places hers on my desk. She doesn't slide it. She doesn't hesitate.
She just placed it between us.
"Look," she says.
I don't move immediately.
