The knock came just after noon.
It was not loud. It was Not urgent. But it carried heavy weight. The kind that made the room feel smaller before the door even opened.
Naomi looked up from the chair beside Shunya bed, her hand pausing mid movement as she adjusted the strap of her shoulder bandage. Vikoria stiffened near the window.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Exact three knocks.
Measured. Formal.
Naomi straightened. "That will be command."
The door opened without waiting for permission.
Two figures stood outside. Both wore the dark uniform of the capital branch, not the local city guard. Their armor was polished. Their posture flawless. One of them bore the silver insignia of internal review.
"Naomi Renvale," the taller one said. "You are requested immediately."
Not asked.
But Requested.
Naomi exhaled slowly and rose to her feet. The movement made her sway, just slightly.
She corrected it at once.
"I am injured," she said evenly.
