The moment we entered the council chamber, the air changed.
It was not the cold, judging silence I had grown used to in Silvercrest councils, nor the subtle hostility that always lingered when Torin’s eyes followed my movements. This was different. This was weighty and expectant.
Then the ovation began.
It started with one Alpha rising to his feet. Then another. Chairs scraped against stone floors, boots struck the ground, fists thumped chests in respect. The sound swelled until it filled the chamber, echoing off the high arched ceiling like thunder rolling across mountains.
They were standing for Clay.
And also for me.
I felt it before I understood it. Clay paused beside me. I could feel his surprise through the bond, quickly followed by pride. He lifted his chin, his shoulders stra
