The longhall was cleared before dawn. Benches were pushed to the walls. A heavy table ran down the middle with chairs set for every envoy. Wolves took the doors and corners. Witches drew fresh ward lines along the beams and across the threshold. The vampire envoys entered last and let their knives be wrapped in saltcloth and sealed with wax.
By the time the sun broke the trees, the seats were filled.
On the left sat the witches. Moira took the center chair with coven leaders ranged beside her. On the right sat the wolves. Grayson held the Alpha’s seat with lieutenants along the line. Across from them were three vampires in gray court robes, pale and watchful. Eryx stood behind Ravyn’s chair at the end of the table.
Ravyn sat between Grayson and Cassian. Her mark was a steady heat under
