The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on as Thane strode in, his entrance a full twenty minutes past the agreed-upon time. Unlike the previous meeting, he came alone, no beta flanking him like a silent guardian. His dark eyes swept the room, taking in the assembled leaders: Elara, her usually serene expression etched with worry; Raine, his wiry frame coiled with nervous energy; and Lucas, whose jaw was clenched tight, his fists balled at his sides.
"Thane," Elara greeted him, her voice carefully neutral. "We were beginning to think you wouldn't make it."
Thane offered a curt nod, his gaze flickering briefly to Elara before settling on Lucas. "Apologies for the delay," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Urgent matters required my attention."
Lucas scoffed, unable to contain hi
