Olivia’s POV
The sky was gray when we left for the council hall, the kind of gray that hangs heavy and promises either rain or ruin. Every footstep on the cobbled path felt like a drumbeat marching me toward something I could not undo.
The banners of the pack fluttered in the wind, stiff with morning frost. Warriors lined the courtyard, their eyes following us as we passed. Some gave nods of respect, others lowered their gazes, unwilling to let me see the doubt Emily’s accusations had planted.
Lucas walked beside me, his presence a fortress. His hand brushed mine once, briefly, as if to say: I’m here. Always. Marcus and Ava trailed behind, close enough to protect, far enough to give us the semblance of dignity.
But dignity was a fragile mask. Inside, my stomach churned like a storm-tos
