Kaelira’s POV
They stopped talking when I entered. Not all of them but just enough to notice and to make a point. I didn’t pause at the doorway. Didn’t hesitate.
My steps remained even as I crossed into the council chamber, the echo of my heels cutting through the low murmur of voices that didn’t bother to quiet.
Before… they would’ve gone silent.
Before… they would’ve watched me.
Now?
They watched each other. I took my seat anyway.
Not Darius’s side.
Mine. A few glances flicked my way, quick, measuring, dismissive.I leaned back slightly, resting one arm against the chair, fingers loose. Calm. Unbothered. Let them look.
Let them think.
Elder Harrow cleared his throat, though his gaze never quite reached mine. “We’ll begin shortly. The Alpha is… delayed.”
Of course he was.
Conv
