"My lords," a man greeted, bowing his head before turning to the Alpha. "Alpha, may your reign be long."
"What is the matter?" Darius asked.
The man gestured to a young human boy, bruised and dressed in torn clothes.
"For some time now, I've noticed food disappearing from my kitchen," the man explained. "My family and I decided to set a trap. We stayed up through the night and caught him red-handed."
"And he's still breathing?" Lord Ronan drawled, sounding bored.
"My lord, according to our laws, such matters must be brought before the Alpha for judgment."
"I know the traditions well," Ronan said, his voice sharp. "But those laws were made for werewolves — not humans. This shouldn't even be a matter for the court."
Some of the elders murmured in agreement, shaking their heads.
"Boy,
