Aurora POV
I feel her leave.
Not through guards.
Not through reports.
Through absence.
The mountain shifts when Catherine moves with intent. The structure tightens around her decisions. Corridors fall into alignment. Wolves unconsciously straighten.
When that pressure vanishes,
It's noticeable.
Marcus confirms it minutes later.
"She took a containment unit," he says. "Discreet. No insignia."
Of course she did.
Not soldiers.
Specialists.
That's how Catherine conquers - by making control look like care.
The coastal echo trembles faintly in my chest.
Unsteady.
Afraid.
Alive.
"She's claiming first contact," I say quietly.
Marcus nods once.
Not fleeing.
Claiming.
There's a difference.
The first voice the third anchor hears will define their reality.
If Catherine reaches them first, the narrative becomes:
You are unstable.
You need structure.
You are safest under authority.
And if that voice is calm enough, steady enough,
They will believe it.
