~Elara~
The Council Chamber was nothing like I'd imagined.
No modern boardroom with sleek technology and ergonomic chairs. No corporate aesthetic matching Lunaris's public face. Instead, we descended to a subterranean level I hadn't known existed, passing through security measures that included both cutting-edge biometrics and ancient wolf symbols carved into stone.
"Remember what we discussed," Lyra murmured as the elevator descended. She had spent the morning coaching me on Council protocol—the antiquated formalities, the hierarchy, the expectations. "Direct your responses to Elder Thorne unless directly addressed by another Alpha. No interruptions. No displays of power unless explicitly asked."
"And whatever you do," Caleb added, straightening his already-perfect tie, "don't bare yo
