Penelope POV
"You cannot look at her, Kael," the noblewoman beside him whispered, her fingers digging into his sleeve.
I did not break my stride. The moonstone floor of the floating temple was ice under my heels. Every single step echoed against the crystal pillars.
"She is the Governor now," a minor Alpha from the northern border muttered to his mate. "Look at the mithril on that gown. That is royal forge-work. Santiago had it commissioned by the throne."
"She killed Tallulah," the mate replied, her voice dropping to a harsh hiss. "The Blue-Claw Pack is done. If she takes the core tonight, Rogue Pack owns Westview for the next century."
I kept my chin level. My arm was looped through Cooper's forearm. His muscle was a solid, unyielding ridge under his formal jacket. He did not look a
