I entered through the middle archway.
Not behind Damon. Beside him. Left shoulder even with his right, close enough that the positioning was visible to anyone watching — which was everyone, because Alphas notice arrivals and every Alpha in the room had been briefed on who was coming.
Damon didn't look at me when we crossed the threshold. He didn't need to. The point was already made.
***
Vereth Hall was the kind of neutral ground that had been designed to prevent territory arguments from starting before the meeting did. Stone-and-timber, high ceilings, a table long enough that eight delegations could sit at it without feeling each other's breath. The windows faced a managed courtyard that belonged to no one's pack. The chairs were identical. The lighting was even. Every element said: h
