The old stable block had been transformed.
Whitewashed walls replaced crumbling stone. Pale winter sunlight filter through the new windows. Desks carved from northern pine filled the main room, and a blackboard stood at the front, chalk ready for the first lesson.
Seren stood at the door, Lysa beside her, watching the children arrive.
They came in pairs and trios; human children in patched coats, wolf children in fine wool. Some walked with parents. Others came alone. A few looked terrified. Most looked curious.
"Thirty-seven enrolled," Lysa read from her list. "Nineteen human, eighteen wolf. Ages six to fourteen."
"Only thirty-seven?"
"It's the first day. More will come." Lysa lowered her list. "If we don't get shut down by conservative protests."
Seren turned. A cluster of nobles had gathered at the edge of the palace grounds, their faces pinched with disapproval. Lord Halden was there. So was Lady Ashworth, despite her recent shift toward cooperation.
