The council chamber felt smaller than Sasha remembered.
Or maybe she just felt bigger.
She walked in with her head high and her people at her back. Maya on her right, magic humming. Rhys on her left, solid and fierce. Luc behind her, ancient and steady. Behind them, a dozen hybrids—Clara, Thomas, others who'd volunteered to come. A show of force. A show of family.
The faction leaders were already seated. Elder Okonkwo, expression unreadable. Marcus Donovan, watching his son with something like pride. A new vampire leader—a woman named Seraphine, elegant and dangerous. Others Sasha didn't recognize, representing smaller factions, regional powers, interests she was only beginning to understand.
"Sasha Laurent." Elder Okonkwo's voice carried. "You requested to address the council. The flo
