Chapter 32
The Messenger's Warning
The gardens fell into complete silence.
Even the birds had stopped singing.
Kael's arm remained firmly around my waist, keeping me steady as the strange ache in my chest slowly faded.
Mira looked from me to Kael, her expression troubled.
"The messenger is waiting in the council hall."
Kael nodded once.
"We'll hear him."
His voice was calm, but I knew him well enough to hear the tension beneath it.
Not jealousy.
Concern.
For me.
For the pack.
For what this attack might mean.
---
The council hall was already crowded when we arrived.
The elders stood in uneasy groups, whispering among themselves.
At the center of the room stood a young wolf dressed in the black-and-silver colors of Black Hollow.
His left arm was wrapped in bloodstained ban
