{"The beast bows to no one... except to loyalty freely given."}
The stone walls rose like giants from the cliffside, scarred by time but unbroken. Moss draped over the battlement, and thick vines clung to the outer gates, yet the keep stood proud.
Finally, I was home.
We passed through the archway, the weight of the gate stones pressing like memories on my shoulders. Qadira's hand was still in mine, warm, grounding. The courtyard lay still, dust curling with our every step, until the howls began one after the other, echoing from the surrounding ridges. I felt the recognition and the welcome, and then they emerged. From the side halls, upper terraces, and the shadowed paths of the keep, the remaining Rogourau clan began to gather tall figures with dark hair and piercing eyes, the unmistakable grace of highland shifters in every movement. Their expressions were a mix of awe, disbelief, and quiet respect.
