The scent of pine and cold steel hung thick in the air, sharp against Celeste’s senses as she stepped into the council chamber. The high-arched ceiling loomed overhead, casting long shadows down the stone walls. A dozen wolves lined the long table, cloaked in colors that represented their regions, iron-grey for the North, blood-red for the East, deep blue for the coastal West, and gold for her own Southern lands.
Hunter flanked her right, posture loose but dangerous, like a blade sheathed at the hip, ready to draw.
Celeste met Councilor Alden’s gaze. He didn’t blink.
“The Council formally acknowledges your mating,” Alden began, his voice clipped. “But the implications of this union must be discussed.”
“There’s nothing to discuss,” Hunter said coolly, arms folded across his chest. “We d
