Clara’s pov
The council chamber smelled like old wood and tension.
I sat at the head of the table while Elder Voss spread the latest Silvercrest correspondence across the surface like a winning hand.
The other members watched me the way they always did lately, waiting for the crack.
“They’re done waiting,” Voss said. “The formal claim has to be announced by the next full moon or they take the alliance elsewhere.
Their Alpha made that clear. No more delays. No more ‘under consideration.’”
Harris leaned forward. “We’ve stalled long enough, Kael.
The border reports are getting worse. Rogue activity is up. We need those patrols and the trade routes. Sign the damn thing.”
I stared at the unsigned contract. The words blurred. Somewhere under my ribs the bond gave a low, familiar pull,
