Page 24 of Blood Marked

His wolf was still pacing.

ELEVEN

SELENE

Selene didn’t open the door right away.

She sat on the small cushioned bench beneath the window, one leg curled beneath her, watching the snow-dusted courtyard far below. Her tea had gone cold hours ago, untouched. The book in her lap hadn’t been turned since sunrise.

The knock came again. Two sharp taps, then one slow one. She knew that if she didn’t open the door, Kael would just let himself in. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction.

She sighed, dragging herself upright. Her muscles ached from too much sitting and too little sleep.

When she opened the door, it wasn’t Kael.

It was Nyra.

The Fenrir heir’s sister stood casually in the hall, weight balanced on one hip, a long forest-green cloak draped over fitted leather. Her short silver hair was wind-tossed and unruly, and her expression was as unreadable as ever—half amusement, half challenge.

“You expecting someone else?” Nyra asked, eyes flicking over Selene with a knowing glint.

Selene blinked. “I—uh, no. I just didn’t expect… you.”

Nyra shrugged, not the least bit offended. “I figured it was time. You’ve been here how long now? And we haven’t even had a proper conversation.”

“Wasn’t aware you were in the market for one.”

Nyra smirked. “Normally, I’m not. But I was told to stop terrifying the courtiers with my resting death-glare. So. Consider this my diplomatic outreach.”

Selene couldn’t help it, she smiled.

Just a little.

Nyra caught it and grinned wider. “That’s better. Grab your boots. Let’s walk. Before I change my mind.”

The citadel grounds looked different under the pale gold of morning sun. Snow clung to the edges of the battlements and frosted over the dormant gardens. The training fields were half-empty, the usual clang of weapons replaced by the chirping of crows circling overhead.

Nyra walked with the easy grace of someone who knew every stone by memory. Selene trailed beside her, watching how the younger woman’s fingers casually brushed frost from a statue as they passed—like she belonged here in a way Selene never could.

They passed a group of soldiers along the path. Nyra didn’t spare them a glance. They all saluted her.

Selene adjusted her pace. “So, was this Kael’s idea?”

“Nope,” Nyra said. “He doesn’t know I’m here. Would’ve probably growled something about protocol and mated appearances. But frankly, I was getting bored.”

“And you thought I’d be entertaining?”

Nyra shot her a sideways glance. “No. I thought you’d be honest.”

Selene arched a brow.

“You’ve been through hell, shoved into a bond you didn’t choose thinking you were just here for a peace treaty, and stillhaven’t collapsed in the middle of court from the weight of fifty generations of bullshit. That earns you a conversation.”

Selene snorted. “High praise.”

“I’m not known for compliments.”

They walked for a few more minutes in silence, boots crunching softly against frost-hardened dirt. Finally, Nyra broke it again.

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