The grand hall of the Lycan Kingdom’s council chamber hummed with murmuring from its usual guests, the tension in the air evident. Jess stood at the centre of the room, her hands tightly clasped in front of her. The scent from the polished wood floors and burning torches hung around mixed with the scents of the Lycans that had gathered.
The representatives of the kingdom’s regions sat at a long table in the room. Their postures varied, some leaning closer with curiosity, others sitting in open scepticism. At the head of the room sat Luca, the King of all Lucas, his presence a command for order everywhere. Yet, his gaze betrayed the turmoil he tried to hide. In front of him, Athena reclined in her chair with the poise of a vicious predator, her painted lips curving into a smirk that didn’t
