Ryder POV
The letter arrives at noon, delivered by a young wolf in official Council colors who leaves immediately after dropping it on Cass's desk.
I know what it is before I open it. The heavy paper, the wax seal, the formal script. I've seen enough Council correspondence to recognize it on sight.
Cass stands beside me as I break the seal and unfold the letter. "Bad news?" His voice carries that careful neutrality he uses when he already knows the answer.
"The worst kind." I scan the contents, my wolf snarling with every word, claws threatening to tear through my skin. "They want a meeting."
"About what?" He shifts his weight, arms crossing over his chest defensively.
"Territorial disputes and pack alliances." I read the formal language with disgust. "Which is code for 'we heard abo
