The army arrived at sunset.
Thousands of wolves crossed the valley.
At their center rode a masked commander.
Diana watched from the castle walls.
“Who are they?”
Thomas stared.
“I don't know.”
The commander stopped before the gates.
Then slowly removed his helmet.
Diana's breath disappeared.
The face beneath it was older.
Scarred.
But unmistakable.
Julius.
Katherine stared.
“Father?”
The entire courtyard fell silent.
Julius looked at Diana.
“I am sorry.”
Diana could not move.
For fifteen years she had mourned him.
Hated herself for his death.
Built a life around his absence.
And now he was standing in front of her.
“You're alive.”
“Barely.”
“You let me believe you were dead.”
“I had no choice.”
Diana walked toward him.
“You always had a choice.”
Julius lowered his eyes.
“You're right.”
Katherine stood between them.
“Why didn't you come for us?”
Julius looked at his daughter.
“I tried.”
“Then why?”
“Because Adrian controlled the court. If I returned too soon, he would have killed you both.”
Katherine's anger softened, but did not disappear.
“You could have sent a message.”
“I did.”
Diana held up the old letter.
“This?”
Julius nodded.
“I sent dozens.”
Diana looked toward Adrian's prison.
“He intercepted them.”
Julius's expression hardened.
“Then you know what comes next.”
Diana frowned.
“What?”
Julius looked at the eastern horizon.
“The enemy Adrian feared was never the one outside the kingdom.”
A horn sounded.
One of Julius's soldiers rushed forward.
“Your Majesty!”
Diana turned.
“The eastern kingdoms have crossed the border.”
Julius looked at her.
“They were waiting for the First Wolf to awaken.”
Katherine stepped forward.
“Why?”
Julius answered quietly.
“Because the First Wolf doesn't belong to us.”
Silence.
“It belongs to whoever can control its heir.”
Everyone looked at Katherine.
Julius's face darkened.
“They are coming for our daughter.”
Far beyond the mountains, an enormous black wolf opened its eyes—and whispered Katherine's name.