Her presence demanded obedience before a word was spoken.
Lady Katheris didn't move like other wolves. She glided. Each step purposeful. Deliberate. Like a predator who'd never known fear because nothing had ever been strong enough to threaten her. The air around her seemed to ripple with barely contained power, making the space feel smaller, more oppressive.
The courtyard had emptied within seconds of her arrival. Students scattered like startled birds, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls in their haste to flee. Even the bravest ones knew better than to stay near that kind of power.
Only my recruits remained. Standing behind me. Uncertain but loyal. I could feel their tension radiating outward, muscles coiled and ready despite their fear.
And Darius. Always Darius. Positioned at my side through the bond even though he stood several feet back, his presence a solid warmth against my consciousness. Giving me space to handle this my way while ready to intervene if needed.
