The chamber seemed to shrink as the first of the so-called witnesses stepped into the firelight. Olivia’s breath caught when she recognized him.
Daniel.
A hunter from the outer ranks of their pack. He’d eaten at their table once, laughed beside Marcus around the training fields, pledged loyalty when Lucas had ascended Alpha. His face was drawn now, eyes avoiding hers, but the moment he opened his mouth, Olivia knew—he wasn’t here to protect them.
“Elders,” Daniel said, voice low but steady, “I swore to my Alpha once. I swore I’d follow him anywhere. But since he took Olivia as Luna… something has changed. The bond between us has weakened. Our borders are no longer respected. She does not belong to lead us.”
Murmurs stirred the chamber. Olivia’s chest constricted, her throat burning.
“
