Kieran's POV
The Council chamber always smelled like old smoke and older lies.
I sat stiffly in my chair with my back straight and every muscle locked into the image of control. The responsible, steady heir. That was who I was supposed to be.
Despite my still appearance, my wolf was pacing inside me restlessly and growling. Because I knew what was coming even before anyone spoke.
Elder Darius cleared his throat. His voice sounded like gravel to my ears. "The Shadowfang emissaries said the truth. The girl is a danger, and we must remove her."
"The girl," I repeated, my voice colder than I felt. "Her name is Aisla."
He blinked and cast a glance at my father. He pressed on when Father said nothing. "Aisla or not, the bond is unnatural. Never has this happened in wolf history. It has to
