The rider's words went through the hall like a slap.
Kael's face went hard. He did not speak. He moved fast. People tried to step in his way and he cut through them. Lyria followed. Her legs felt like stone. Her chest felt like it was trying to leave her body.
"Cousin?" Kael barked at no one in particular.
"He is at the east gate," the rider said. "Two men dragged him from the road. They said they were ambushed. He is breathing but bleeding bad."
Kael shoved past a cluster of elders. A dozen wolves turned, faces open with something like fear. Kael's mother stayed where she stood, hands folded, face calm, unreadable. For a second Lyria thought she might smile. She did not.
Guards scrambled. Orders shouted. The Summit broke into motion. People moved in an ugly hurry. Lyria kept one hand on the ledger the whole time.
