Harsh torches flickering against stone walls roused Raven.
With her head whirling, she blinked and noticed that she was kneeling on chilly marble.
Her wrists were bitten by chains.
Kael stood next to her, free but restrained by the Council's mute scowl.
His calm presence gave her strength as their golden eyes met.
Five Elder Alphas sat on an elevated dais high above them.
Their faces were etched with millennia of judgment, and their robes were as white as ash.
The oldest, Alpha Thorne, leaned forward, his voice resonating throughout the spacious auditorium.
He said, "You are accused of violating the Law of Pack Bonds."
"Of creating an unholy union that jeopardizes the equilibrium of our world."
Kael took a step forward, her scars shining and her chest bare.
"I have a pure bond w
