Chapter Sixteen
The Betrayer’s Mark
The Council chamber buzzed with an uneasy quiet.
At dawn, the Alphas reconvened—this time in full ceremonial dress, their pack crests displayed boldly across their chests. Silver thread shimmered under torchlight. A ring of magic encircled the thrones, sealing the space from any outside influence.
Or so they thought.
Kael stood in the center, eyes cold, jaw tight. Lyra was at his side, chin lifted, gaze steel.
The vote was coming.
Would they be protected?
Or would the child Lyra carried be marked for destruction?
Alpha Garrick raised his hand. “We have heard testimony. We have seen power displayed. Now, each of us will cast our vote using the ancient seal.”
From beneath his robe, he drew a dagger carved from moonstone. With it, he sliced his pa
