The council hall was colder than Cassie had remembered.
The round stone room, constructed centuries ago by the original twin alphas, towered over her in judgmental silence. Candles danced in their sconces, casting shadows upon the faces which once had smiled at her but now looked at her as if she were a threat. Or a ghost.
Cassie remained in the center of the room, alone.
Elder Margra spoke to them first. "Cassie Jones. You arrive uninvited, in the middle of sacred ceremonies. You cause turmoil, bring harm, and turn our people against each other. Do you have something to say on your behalf?"
Cassie did not blink. She rested her hands on the distended belly, backbone straight. "I'm not here to beg your pardon."
Gasp rippled, murmurs spreading before Mark's hand cut across it.
"Let her
