They were waiting for her. Around the long table sat the keepers of the House — creatures dressed in velvet and gold, each carrying a different secret. The Tiger watched without speaking. The Wolf studied every movement. The Fox smiled as if it already knew the answer. The Owl saw what others could not. They did not ask her where she came from. They asked only one question: “Why did you come?” She had no answer. Perhaps she came for curiosity. Perhaps for power. Perhaps because some part of her had always belonged here. The Council remained silent. And in that silence, she understood: She was no longer a guest.