Power does not always announce itself with violence.

Sometimes it arrives as invitation.

Three weeks after the public trial at the border clearing, when Ironcrest had inclined their head just enough to avoid humiliation, a summons came from the southern coalition.

Not a challenge.

A convocation.

A gathering of allied packs to discuss succession accords, territorial defense alignments, and—most notably—standards for heir development.

Standards.

I read the word twice.

Then a third time.

Rylan sto