diff --git a/cmd/ananke/main_dispatch.go b/cmd/ananke/main_dispatch.go
index 851bf12..dd4ddef 100644
--- a/cmd/ananke/main_dispatch.go
+++ b/cmd/ananke/main_dispatch.go
@@ -66,10 +66,7 @@ func runMain(logger *log.Logger, args []string) int {
 			return 1
 		}
 	case "intent":
-		if err := intentCommand(logger, args[2:]); err != nil {
-			logger.Printf("intent failed: %v", err)
-			return 1
-		}
+		return runIntentCommand(logger, args[2:])
 	case "help", "-h", "--help":
 		usage()
 	default:
@@ -80,6 +77,14 @@ func runMain(logger *log.Logger, args []string) int {
 	return 0
 }
 
+func runIntentCommand(logger *log.Logger, args []string) int {
+	if err := intentCommand(logger, args); err != nil {
+		logger.Printf("intent failed: %v", err)
+		return 1
+	}
+	return 0
+}
+
 // usage runs one orchestration or CLI step.
 // Signature: usage().
 // Why: keeps behavior explicit so startup/shutdown workflows remain maintainable as services evolve.