Council's Judgment.
The silence was heavy, weighted by Ethan's revelation over the elders so gathered in the grand hall of the council chamber. Tapestry-draped, ancient stone walls depicting their pack's history seemed to swallow the tension, while flickering torches created long shadows around them. The Council faced each other around a great round oak table, its expressions deep in worry and disbelief, composed of the oldest and most respected wolves.
Elder Marla was the first to break the silence. She was an elderly woman, sharply featured, and with a bit of a no-nonsense demeanor, her mannerisms bordering on being quite stern. She had been leaning forward in her chair, eyes narrowing from Ayla onto Ethan, as though she would go from one target to the next.
"The bond is still
