Rachel’s POV The message arrived at dawn, but it didn't arrive through official channels. And it wasn't sealed or announced, either. It was slipped into the outer guard rotation report, tucked between routine notes about border scans and supply counts, as if it belonged there, whereas it didn’t. Caleb brought it to me personally. “This wasn’t meant for us to notice,” he said quietly, closing the door behind him. Damon stood near the window, his arms crossed, already alert. I took the parchment from Caleb’s hand. There was no crest and no signature, just a single line written in elegant script: Ravencrest is aware of your temporary healer shortages. Assistance can be arranged if requested. My pulse didn’t spike, it stilled. Damon’s growl was immediate. “We never announced a shortage.” “We don’t have one,” Caleb added. “Not even close.” I folded the parchment carefully, my movements deliberate. “We mentioned a delayed herb shipment. Once. To three different groups. W
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