Ravenclaw's gates were open, inviting strangers and friends. Torches flared on the rock walls, dancing in the evening wind as vehicles arrived on the road singly. Animals stamped their feet on the ground, and the men riding them waved flags of organizations dispersed in the northlands. The evening should have been wonderful. It was a show of strength, making sure Ravenclaw was united. Yet with the footsteps and the guests arriving, Evelyn heard something more. Whispered conversations. Doubt. The feeling of being watched closely.
On the high deck over the yard, she stood near Damien, her hand hardly touching his arm as the pack of wolves came into their land. Some showed respect when they saw her. Others did not even try to hide the disgust on their faces. The difference was as clear as the night.
"Not everyone is against you," Damien said quietly, still watching the guests. "Don't expend your energy on the blind to what's obvious."
