The council's decision came at dawn.
I stood before the elders, my heart pounding, as Garrick read their verdict in a voice that carried across the entire pack. Warriors, families, children—all gathered to witness the judgment of their Luna and their Beta.
"Elara, Luna of Shadowfang, and Caleb, former Beta of Shadowfang, have been found to have violated the sacred bonds of matehood and pack loyalty." Garrick's old voice was steady, impartial. "The council has deliberated, and we have reached our decision."
Beside me, Caleb stood rigid, his face carved from stone. Across the clearing, Damon watched with an expression I couldn't read—pain, yes, but also something else. Something that looked almost like resignation.
"Caleb will be relieved of his duties as Beta. He will be confined to the
