The Blackmoon delegation arrived at the Royal Pack looking half starved.
Elder Thorne led them into the great courtyard. Selene walked behind him in silver chains that burned her skin.
Blackmoon wolves followed in torn winter clothes. Several still carried fresh bandages, and none stood close enough to touch Selene's chains.
They knelt in the snow.
Ryder stood beside me on the raised dais. Among the onlookers, Kael watched from beneath a worn hood. Exile had left his face gaunt.
"Alpha Ryder," Thorne said. "We come as a broken people. We submit to your authority and ask for justice."
He pointed to Selene. "Give us a public trial."
"You will have one," Ryder said.
The guards pulled Selene into the center of the courtyard.
"I was ill," she said. Tears froze on her cheeks. "I may hav
