Elowen rode through the southern gate alone at dawn, her eastern guard waiting behind her. No fanfare. No trumpets. Just a woman on a horse, wearing traveling clothes and a sword at her hip. The southern alphas had agreed to meet her at a neutral lodge halfway between their territory and the crown's border.
She had been gone for three weeks.
Now she is back.
Seren stood in the courtyard, the triplets flanking her. Lysa hovered nearby. Even Iris had come to watch, her arms crossed, her expression curious.
Elowen dismounted. Her face was tired, but her eyes were bright.
"The treaty is signed," she announced. "The south remains in the kingdom."
Aeron stepped forward. "Terms?"
"Autonomy. They control their own internal affairs: laws, taxes, trade within their borders. They provide military support in exchange for crown protection. The charter applies, but enforcement is local. The institute remains open, but southern wolves are not required to participate."
