The council demanded to examine Hope when she was three days old. Evie refused.
"She is a newborn," Evie said, holding Hope protectively. "She sleeps and eats and cries. What exactly do you think you will learn from examining her?"
Elder Sophia, who led the council delegation, spoke gently. "We need to assess her potential. Hybrid children are unpredictable. Some develop werewolf abilities within days. Others take years. We need to understand what we are dealing with."
"You are dealing with a baby," Evie said flatly. "My baby. And you are not touching her."
"Luna Evie," Elder Sophia said. "I understand your protective instincts. But the council has authority in this matter. If you refuse our examination, we will be forced to take more drastic measures."
"Is that a threat?" Gideon grow
