He didn't sit. Men like Aldric never sit when they can stand over you.
He moved to the head of the table, put both hands flat on the map, and looked at me the way you look at something you've been studying for years and are only now seeing in full light. Not surprised. Confirming.
"You want to know why I let you in," he said.
"I want to know what you think this conversation accomplishes."
"That's the same question." He tilted his head slightly. "I let you in because the pack is watching. Because twenty years of authority is worth nothing if I run from the woman who just burned through the Council Hall. And because" he paused, and the pause was deliberate, "you need to hear what I know before you make the next mistake."
Jax shifted near the door. I didn't look at him. Looking at him wo
