Aarhea's Point of View:
The morning came, the council room was colder than I remembered.
My stomach twisted as the guards dragged Jake inside.
His wrists were bound in silver cuffs, his head lowered, his long dark hair covering half of his face.
Even in chains, he carried himself with the strength of an Alpha, but the council only saw a prisoner.
I wanted to run to him, to touch him, but I still forced myself.
If I moved now, they’d call me weak.
The High Councilor’s voice rang out, “Jake of the Crimson Pack. You stand accused of treason, conspiring with rogues to bring ruin upon your people. Speak. Do you deny these charges?”
Jake raised his head slowly. His eyes found mine first. For a heartbeat, the room disappeared.
I saw pain in his gaze, but also a fire that had not gone
