Chase’s POV
The council chamber felt smaller when the elders returned.
Torchlight had burned lower; shadows stretched long across the scarred oak table. The seven filed in single file—Mara Voss at the head, expression unreadable as ever. They took their seats without haste. No one spoke until Mara raised her hand.
The room stilled completely.
“After deliberation,” Mara began, voice clear and final, “the council finds no merit in Alpha Dmitri Volkov’s claims of unlawful challenge interference or territorial forfeiture. The challenge was issued and concluded according to pack law. Alpha Chase Hudson remains rightful holder of the contested lands.”
Dmitri’s face went blank—smile gone, eyes narrowing to slits. His betas shifted uneasily behind him.
Mara continued.
“Further, the allegati
