"He killed Serafina."
Jared's voice cut through the stone chamber like a blade, echoing through the Hall of Elders. His words dropped heavy and cold, a death sentence disguised in mourning.
Gasps rippled across the crescent-shaped room, where the oldest wolves of the pack sat robed in deep forest-green. The Council of Elders, their fur grayed by wisdom and war, stirred in their stone seats. Some leaned forward with narrowed eyes. Others recoiled, expressions tightening.
Elder Marlon's eyes flashed amber. "You bring this before us with no mourning period, Alpha Jared. Why the haste?"
Jared's jaw ticked. His golden eyes gleamed with carefully tempered fury. "Because James is already preparing a coup beneath our feet. Because while we sit here waiting on customs and ceremonies,
