The land did not close behind Aurelia when she crossed back over the boundary.
It remained open—subtly, almost politely—as though whatever watched from beyond had decided retreat was unnecessary. That alone unsettled her more than pursuit would have.
Mira was already moving toward her the moment her boots touched familiar ground.
"You shouldn't have gone," she said under her breath, gripping Aurelia's arm with barely restrained force. "They could have—"
"They didn't," Aurelia replied.
"But they could have," Mira insisted.
"Yes," Aurelia said calmly. "And now they know I know that."
Mira searched her face, looking for something—fear, doubt, regret.
She found none.
Around them, the pack stirred restlessly. Wolves pretended not to stare, but Aurelia felt the attention anyway—sharp, focused, waiting. Word had already spread. It always did.
The council's horn sounded again, shorter this time. Urgent.
"They won't wait," Mira said.
"I wouldn't either," Aurelia replied.
