The next day,

Author

The messenger arrived at the academy gates at dawn, alone, carrying no weapon, wearing no colors. He handed over a plain wooden box, sealed with black wax, and said only:

“For the Alpha Regina. From one who watches.” Then he turned and walked away, vanishing into the mist before the guards could call him back.

The box was brought to Aria’s quarters, where she sat at her desk reviewing supply lists. Malphas stood by the window, his posture shifting instantly from relaxed to alert as he saw the wax seal - carved with the shape of a hunter’s arrow piercing a wolf’s skull.

“Il Cacciatore,” he...