Chapter 82

Autumn brought an unexpected visitor—not a diplomatic envoy or political delegate, but a lone wolf who arrived at Ravenwood's gates in the early morning hours, bleeding from multiple wounds and barely conscious.

The guards brought her directly to the healers, and Helena summoned Arianna immediately. By the time Arianna arrived at the healing ward, the stranger was stable but clearly had been through significant trauma.

"She's from Birchwood," the head healer reported, cleaning wounds that looked like they came from wolf claws. "And she specifically asked for you before losing consciousness. Said it was urgent, that Birchwood needs help."

Arianna's stomach sank. The mediated succession they'd helped establish...