POV: Lyra

The messenger arrived at dawn.

He rode through the camp gates on a horse that was foaming at the mouth and trembling with exhaustion. He dismounted before the animal had fully stopped and stumbled toward the great hall with a scroll clutched in his hand.

I was already awake.

I had been awake for hours.

The fire in my tent had burned down to embers and the sky outside was still dark when I heard the hooves. I pulled on my boots and stepped outside just as the messenger reached the steps.

He dropped to his knees.

"High Alpha."

I took the scroll from his hand.

"Eat. Rest....