The council chamber was heavy with smoke and silence, the air thick with the scent of burning resin from the braziers. Eight pairs of eyes watched Orion from the long stone table, their unease as tangible as the weight of his presence.
Word of the Human Hunters' latest raid had reached every corner of the capital, and though the wounds of that attack were still fresh, the council demanded action.
"Their reach grows bolder," chieftain Magnus muttered. "They strike at our borders, then vanish as if swallowed by the earth itself."
"It's as if it's happening all over again," Chieftain Reed sighed, and all eyes fell on him, Orion's fist clenching by his side at the reminder.
"Do not speak of what you do not know," Magnus snapped, nose turned up in a disapproving frown.
Chieftain Trent adde
