50
~Kael's POV
The morning came like a slap to the face, bright, fast, and loud with knocking.
The maids were already at our door before the sun had fully risen, just as expected, if not earlier. Their arms were full of polished boots, freshly steamed tunics, gold-edged pins, heavy belts with too many buckles, and all the other ridiculous little details that made us look the part. Like kings. Like warriors. Like the sort of alphas the council would bow to without question. That was the point, after all. Appearances.
I sat on the edge of my bed while one of the older maids knelt in front of me, tugging my boots into place with trembling hands. Another stood at my back, carefully fastening the collar of my black shirt. The fabric was stiff, the gold thread itching slightly at my neck, but I didn't move. My mind was quiet. Blank.
I let them dress me like they were preparing a weapon for battle.
And in a way, they were.
