Ryder POV
The Council chamber was underground. Stone walls carved with ancient runes, torches providing the only light. Deliberately intimidating.
Jolie walked beside me, her chin up and shoulders back. She wore leather pants and one of my shirts, dark circles under her eyes but steady on her feet.
"Remember," I said quietly, my hand finding the small of her back. "You don't have to answer anything you don't want to."
"I know." She squeezed my hand, her grip firm despite everything.
The five Council members sat behind a curved stone table. Ironwood in the center, flanked by Councilors Redwood, Ashford, Thornhill, and my least favorite—Blackwood, Thorne's uncle.
This should be fun.
"Alpha Kane, Luna Rys." Ironwood gestured to the chairs facing them with measured formality. "Thank you
