Warrick's POV
The silence after her question stretched like a blade.
Every eye in that corridor was on me, guards and servants and officials all waiting to see if their Alpha King would answer for what he'd done or hide behind his title.
I couldn't speak. The words stuck in my throat, heavy and useless. What could I say that would make any of this right? There was no answer that wouldn't be a lie.
My mother stepped forward.
"These are serious accusations," she said, her voice carrying through the corridor with the authority of a queen. "They require formal response." She looked at the officials who'd gathered. "Summon the council. Immediately. All senior members are required to attend."
"Queen Mother—" one of the officials started.
"Now," she said, her tone leaving no room for argum
