Halric struck the ground with a heavy thud. The sound echoed across the ritual clearing as hundreds of wolves stared in shock. The elder’s body twisted awkwardly against the stone floor, and the breath left his lungs in a sharp gasp.
For a moment, no one moved.
The warrior holding the glowing brand stumbled back two steps in surprise. The heated iron swung slightly in the air as he struggled to regain his balance.
The elder who had shoved Halric forward stood frozen beside the council seats. His expression showed the sudden realization of what he had just done.
Then the clearing erupted.
Voices rose from every side of the ritual ground. Wolves began shouting questions and accusations at once. Several warriors moved instinctively toward the center of the clearing, while others pushed f
