The visitor arrived on a clear morning.
Kael was on the beach, collecting driftwood for the fireplace. He heard the car before he saw it—a black sedan, climbing the winding road to the house. His first instinct was to shift. To disappear into the trees.
Instead, he walked up the cliff path.
Lyra was already at the door. The car had stopped in the driveway. A woman emerged—tall, gray-haired, with the sharp features of someone who'd been turned in middle age.
"Lyra Silvanus," the woman said. "My name is Helena. I'm an archivist for the Night Council."
Lyra's posture was rigid. "What do you want?"
"I've been researching the old alliance. Your presentation in Vancouver was... compelling. I believe there's more to the story than what you shared."
Kael stepped forward. Helena's eyes moved to him, and her expression shifted. Recognition.
"You're a wolf," she said.
"Yes."
"And you're here. With Cassius Silvanus's daughter."
"Yes."
Helena was quiet for a long moment. Then she laughed—a genuine, surprised sound.
"I've spent fifty years studying the old alliances. I never thought I'd see one in person." She looked at Lyra. "I'm not here to expo
se you. I'm here to help."