The soft glow of dawn had barely begun to warm the stone corridors of the Alpha's estate when Cassian stepped out of his chamber, closing the door behind him with care. Lyra was still asleep, her face serene in the early light—and he needed her to stay that way, at least for now.
He moved with purpose, every stride carrying the weight of the discoveries from the night before. He found Darius waiting for him in the war room, a thick book clutched tightly in his hand and a furrow etched deep into his brow.
"You're earlier than I expected," Cassian said, folding his arms as he approached.
Darius didn't look up right away. His gaze remained fixed on the worn, leather-bound volume in his grip.
"Couldn't sleep," Darius muttered, then held out the book. "And you'll understand why."
Cassian took the object from him carefully. The leather cover was old and brittle in places, with strange etchings carved faintly into its surface. The scent of dust and dark ink clung to it like a warning.
