The great hall of the palace had been prepared with solemn formality for the arrival of the northern delegation. Heavy banners of the royal wolf sigil hung alongside temporary standards representing the fractured northern factions, some bearing faded pine emblems from Magnus's old reign, others displaying newly designed marks of independence or tentative alliance. Long tables were arranged to allow clear sightlines, and extra guards stood at every entrance, their postures alert.
Seren sat at the centre of the triumvirate's raised dais, flanked by her mates. The dark fur along her shoulders caught the torchlight, a visible reminder of her transformation that still drew uneasy glances from many in the room. The bond hummed with steady vigilance; Kael's protective heat on her left, Aeron's cool strategic focus on her right, and Theron's watchful eyes just behind her.
