The chamber felt smaller when they walked back in.
Rows of benches that had seemed abstract before were now full of faces Lyra half-recognized: wolves from neighboring packs, Council aides, a few human clerks with the kind of glazed look that said they saw only half the truth.
Silas sat where he had before, hands folded, expression carved from stone. Jonah occupied the lower bench reserved for witnesses, shoulders taut, jaw clenched.
Atlas led Hollow Ridge to their table, Elara on his right. Cassian and Lyra took the seats behind them. Isolde settled at the end, eyes bright and sharp.
The presiding Councilor lifted the gavel. “This hearing reconvenes.”
The low murmur died.
“We have heard testimony from Thornridge, from Hollow Ridge, and from other affected parties,” he said. “We have
