The council's daily briefing started like any other. Seven members seated around the curved table. Observers taking notes in the corner. Darius and I in our assigned chairs, maintaining the perfect image of calm cooperation.
Then Gideon walked in.
He wasn't supposed to be there. Students weren't invited to strategic briefings. But he entered like he owned the room, carrying a leather folder and wearing the kind of smile that made my wolf snarl.
"My apologies for the interruption." He bowed to Katheris. "But I've uncovered information the council needs to hear immediately."
"This is highly irregular, Mr. Wicke." Katheris's tone was cool. "We're in the middle of sensitive discussions."
"I understand. But this concerns those discussions directly." He glanced at me. "It concerns Miss Vale
