The Great Hall of the Lunar Council felt impossibly vast as Aria walked its length, her footsteps echoing against marble floors worn smooth by centuries of supernatural beings. Ornate columns stretched toward a vaulted ceiling painted with constellations known only to those who had walked the earth for millennia. Betty's small hand gripped hers tightly.
Kade followed behind them, ready to protect them if needed.
As they approached the center of the hall, the whispers grew louder, less concerned with discretion.
"—the child of prophecy—"
"—could unite the fragmented packs—"
"—or destroy everything we've built—”
The raised his hand for silence, a mere gesture controlling the entire place, the room went quiet immediately.
"Aria Nova," he said, "you come before us with your daughter, yo
