The First Political Summons
(Nova POV)
The summons came at dawn.
A sealed envelope slid under my dorm door—thick cream parchment, Blackwood sigil pressed in black wax. No courier. No knock. Just the soft scrape of paper on wood, like a warning.
I opened it with shaking fingers.
Closed session. Council chamber. 0700. Come alone.
No signature.
No pleasantries.
Just the alpha's seal.
I stared at it for a long time.
The bond was quiet this morning—dull, aching, like a bruise that wouldn't heal. Damien hadn't reached out since the announcement. Hadn't texted. Hadn't come to the dorm. Hadn't even looked in my direction during yesterday's training. I told myself it was better this way. I told myself I didn't care.
I was lying.
I dressed quickly—black leggings, long-sleeved shirt, hoodie up to hide the dark circles under my eyes. No makeup. No jewelry. Just me. Raw. Tired. Still bleeding from the inside.
The walk to the main hall felt endless.
