Lila’s POV
A warm, familiar hand rested gently on my lower back. Catherine.
“The two of you—well, you’ve certainly made an entrance.”
I offered her a small smile, grateful for the way she always seemed to appear right when I needed steadying.
“The council is about to begin. Come, there’s a place for us at the front.”
I looked at Tobi, uncertain whether to let go. But he gave my hand one last squeeze before I released him, his fingers lingering for a breath longer than necessary. Then I followed Catherine through the maze of high-backed chairs and watching eyes, past rows of regal strangers whose scents and energies buzzed like static around me. The Bastion Alliance chamber was massive—circular, with tiered seating like an amphitheater carved in stone and gold. Every Alpha had brought
