The summons were deliberate.
Not the blare of an alarm meant to scatter the pack, nor the sharp call of danger that sent wolves running without thought. This signal carried intention—measured, formal, unmistakably political.
Aurelia recognized it immediately.
"They're framing it as legitimacy," she said as she walked. "Not urgency."
Mira's jaw tightened. "So whoever called this wants witnesses."
"Yes," Aurelia replied. "And compliance."
They moved through the inner grounds as wolves converged from every direction, drawn not by fear but by expectation. Conversations fell silent as Aurelia passed. Eyes followed her—some wary, some hopeful, some openly defiant.
This wasn't a gathering of the pack.
It was a referendum.
