The council chamber went silent the moment I walked in with Elara beside me.
Twelve seats lined the circular room, each held by a pack elder who had served my father before me. Every eye in the room moved from me to her, and I felt the weight of their judgment settle over both of us like a second skin.
"Alpha," one elder said, rising slightly. "Forgive me, but why is the rogue girl present at a council meeting."
"She has a name," I said. "Elara. And she stays, because everything discussed here concerns her as much as it concerns me."
Murmurs spread around the table. An older woman near the end, Elder Mira, leaned forward with sharp eyes.
"With respect, Alpha, a war is coming to our borders, and you bring a stranger into the room where we plan our defense."
"She is not a stranger," I
