Mira's POV — Council Chambers
The hearing room was designed to intimidate.
High ceilings. Stone pillars. Twelve Council members seated in a semicircle facing the witness stand. High Councilor Thane at the center, silver-haired and inscrutable.
Elder Thorne sat with his attorney in the petitioner's section. Kieran sat alone in the gallery, no longer wearing pack insignia. Lydia beside him, hand in his.
Valeblack sat at the respondent's table, isolated.
"Dr. Mira Whitmore-Ravencrest," Thane's voice echoed. "Please take the stand."
Mira walked forward on shaking legs. Placed her hand on the oath stone. Felt the ancient magic pulse against her palm.
"Do you swear to speak truth before this Council?"
"I do."
Elder Thorne's attorney—a sharp-eyed woman named Heath Sno
