(Maria POV)
The Hollow Stone Council was ancient, older than any written record, carved into a mountain where the moonlight filtered through a perfect circle above the central dais. The air within the stone chamber buzzed with energy—thick, ritualistic, unrelenting. Every step Maria took toward the center felt like it echoed through time.
She wore ceremonial white, though blood still bruised her wrists from the chains Xavier had shackled her in days ago. Beside her, Joseph and Luca flanked her like shadows of her will—silent, protective, coiled with tension.
Around them sat the Circle.
Seven elders robed in black and silver, their faces half-shadowed by hoods. Behind them stood enforcers and emissaries from other packs. Tension vibrated in the room like a string stretched to break.
“L
