(Kael)
The council meeting was called for the next morning. Elder Thomas sat at the head of the long table, his face showing clear displeasure. The other elders flanked him on both sides, all of them wearing similar expressions of disapproval.
I entered the council chamber alone. Aria was still recovering from her silver wound, though she had wanted to come with me. I had insisted she rest instead.
"Alpha Kael," Elder Thomas said without any greeting. "We need to discuss yesterday's events."
"What about them?"
"Your mate nearly got herself killed leading that rescue mission."
I took my seat at the opposite end of the table. "My mate successfully rescued three captured pack members and brought them home safely."
"At great personal cost," Elder Helen added. "She was wounded by a silve
