House Silvaine sent Nyx a blank report.
That was not metaphor.
The paper was empty.
No greeting. No seal visible. No command written in ink.
Just black-edged parchment delivered by a crow that landed on the greenhouse roof, stared at everyone with professional disappointment, and dissolved into smoke after Nyx took the message.
Niko said, "That bird was made of contract ash."
Nyx said, "No."
He blinked. "No?"
"It was made of shame."
No one knew what to do with that.
Nyx left the greenhouse without asking anyone to follow.
So naturally, everyone wanted to.
She stopped at the door.
"Kael. Seraphina. No others."
Liora, who had arrived late specifically to avoid being excluded from danger, looked offended. "Why?"
"Because if I need someone stabbed, I can do it."
"That is not an answer."
"It is a reassurance."
Liora considered.
Then nodded. "Fair."
Ren looked worried.
Nyx looked at him. "No."
"I did not say anything."
"Your face asked."
He closed his mouth.
