The steady click of Lucian’s boots echoed through the silent hall. His posture was firm, shoulders squared, even though Aria could feel the tension in every step he took beside her. He was still bleeding beneath the fresh bandages she’d wrapped around his side, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to stay in bed.
The council had summoned him. Or rather, whispered doubts loud enough for him to hear.
The pack’s elders sat at the long obsidian table in the center of the room, their faces etched with age, pride, and uncertainty. Behind them stood a half-circle of guards and warriors, their eyes flickering between Lucian’s pale face and the woman by his side.
Aria held her head high.
No one spoke until Lucian reached the head of the table.
Then Elder Roan leaned forward, his tone laced with co
