The Price of Freedom
The council left three days later.
The entire pack gathered at the eastern gates to watch them go.
Nobody spoke much.
Nobody celebrated.
Because everyone understood what this really was.
Not peace.
Not acceptance.
A temporary truce.
The council had agreed to leave Daniel and Katelyn alone only if they could prove them wrong.
Only if the truth could be found.
Only if Gabriel Walker could clear his name.
And if he failed?
The council would return.
And next time they wouldn’t be asking questions.
The morning air carried the scent of damp earth and pine. A thick layer of fog hung over the valley, wrapping itself around the distant mountains like a warning.
Katelyn stood near the top of the stone staircase leading down into the courtyard.
Beside her stood D
