Kane.
I turned to face Elder Miriam, my heart pounding despite my outward calm. The ancient magic binding me to the council's will seemed to tighten like invisible chains.
"We're pathetic," Shadow growled in my mind. "An Alpha King cowering before an elder."
"What brings you here at this hour, Alpha Kane?" Miriam's voice dripped with false concern.
I fought to keep my voice steady. "I was checking the security arrangements."
Her smile was sharp as a blade. "Were you? How interesting that the Alpha King himself would concern himself with such... mundane matters."
"She knows," Shadow warned. "She can smell our fear."
The binding magic pulsed, a reminder of my chains. One wrong move, one sign of defiance, and they could activate the curse that would bring Luna unimaginable pain. The me
