Elena’s POV They didn’t come with chains or threats this time. They came with paperwork. “The council requires confirmation,” the doctor said calmly, as if he was discussing a routine checkup and not a woman scheduled to die at sunrise. “They want to verify that the prisoner is, in fact, Elena Grey. No substitutions. No mistakes.” Sara stiffened immediately. Her fingers curled at her sides. “This is ridiculous,” she snapped. “Everyone here knows her face. You think she magically turned into someone else overnight?” “It’s protocol,” he replied, already opening his case. His tone sharpened. “Especially before an execution. Now do you want me to proceed, or should I ask the Alpha council why you’re obstructing a legal process?” That did it. Sara’s jaw tightened, fury flashing th

