The delegation arrived at nine in the morning on day nine.
Six wolves from Ashveil. Ryden hadn't come himself — too much of a concession, appearing in another alpha's territory for a negotiation he had initiated. He sent his gamma, Petra, along with two council members, two escorts.
And Mira's father.
Cole stood at the back of the group when they crossed the compound, which told her everything. Not here as a voice. Here because Ryden had sent him deliberately, knowing Mira was inside these walls, knowing what the sight of him would do to her.
Ryden was not stupid. He was simply unkind.
The meeting was held in the main hall — a long table, Damien at one end, Cord to his right, Mira positioned at his left. Rena had told her that morning that Damien had placed her there on purpose. Not a
