The hall smelled like leather and wood polish and too many bodies packed into one space. My heart hammered against my ribs. Each beat felt loud enough for everyone to hear.
Thaddeus stood at the front. Tall. Commanding. His eyes swept the room. Silence fell instantly.
“Marcus Blackthorn has called for this gathering,” he said. His voice carried to every corner. “He will speak first.”
Marcus stepped forward. He wore an expensive suit. Hair perfectly styled. He looked like someone trustworthy. Respectable.
I hated him.
“Thank you, Alpha.” Marcus’s voice was smooth. Practiced. “I come before you tonight with a heavy heart. What I have to say brings me no joy. But it must be said.”
Lycian held my hands. Through the bond, I felt his anger. Hot and barely controlled.
“Three months ago, ou
