The Danu delegation passed through the gates beneath a canopy of silence.
No horns. No declarations. Just the sound of hooves on blackstone and the faint rustle of silk and steel. The Shadowguard parted in perfect synchronicity to allow the entourage through, then sealed the path behind them—each motion deliberate, disciplined. Every move said the same thing: You are welcome here. But only because we allow it.
Kael Danu's gaze swept slowly across the scene as they entered. His eyes flicked toward the runes carved into the stone lanterns, the symmetry of the buildings rising along the path, the measured pace of the workers who did not stop to gawk or kneel. It was not what he had expected. Which, Riven thought, was exactly the point.
