Chapter 57 - Shadows Over the Citadel

The morning light was cold and thin, slipping through the high windows of the Citadel like silver threads. It illuminated a battleground already tense with the residue of preparation, the faint smell of ozone lingering from wards cast the night before. Aria stood atop the main tower, wolf coiled beneath her skin, her senses stretched taut. The forest beyond was alive, a ripple of movement in the shadows, leaves brushing lightly as though whispering warnings. She could feel it in her bones—the Council was returning, this time with more force, more cunning, more fire aimed at the heart of her rule.