By the time the midday bell rang across Blackridge, I had memorized the layout of three corridors, two stairwells, the location of the archives, the infirmary, and exactly how many warriors trained in the lower yard before noon.One hundred and thirty-two. I didn’t ask for that number. I counted.Old habits.“Midday meal is mandatory for ranking wolves.” my new assistant said beside me as we descended the wide iron-railed staircase. “Attendance is taken for officers and senior staff. It reinforces hierarchy and visibility.”I glanced at her. “So this isn’t lunch. It’s strategy.”The assistant’s lips twitched faintly. “Yes, Luna.”I still wasn’t used to that.We passed through the central hall, where banners of Blackridge hung between stone pillars - deep charcoal and silver stitching, the wolf sigil sharp and clean. The scent of food drifted through the corridor ahead: roasted meat, herbs, warm bread, something rich and savory that made her stomach growl despite the knot sitting in it
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