EPISODE 9: THE THREAT ## CHAPTER 1: THE WARNING The raven arrived at dawn. It wasn't one of the enchanted messenger birds that Penny had grown accustomed to—this one was wild, its feathers glossy with real water rather than magic. It landed on the windowsill, fixed her with an intelligent gaze, and spoke a single word before flying away. "Coming." "What was that about?" Penny asked Silas. The cat's fur had risen, colors shifting rapidly through shades of alarmed purple. "Bad news. Very bad news." "What kind of bad news?" "The kind that walks on two legs and claims authority it doesn't deserve." --- ## CHAPTER 2: THE INSPECTOR Inspector Grimthorpe arrived three days later. He was tall, thin, dressed in robes so formal they seemed to creak when he moved. He carried a clipboard that radiated disapproval, and his expression suggested that he had never once, in his entire life, been pleasantly surprised by anything. "Miss Thornwood," he said, not quite bowing. "I am here on behalf of the Continental Authority for Magical Regulation. You are aware of our organization?" "I... no, actually." "CAMR oversees magical hospitality establishments across North America. Ensures compliance with standards. Issues citations for violations." His smile was thin as paper. "We've had reports about Thistledown House." "Reports? From whom?" "Anonymous sources. Concerned citizens...