Silence crashes through the council hall like a tidal wave.
Every wolf straightens. Every head lifts. Every eye snaps toward Rowan. The punishment of the elders was expected—perhaps even overdue. But now the hall braces for something far more volatile.
Because judging former leaders is one thing.
Judging an Alpha—even a fallen one—is something else entirely.
Darius subtly shifts, angling his body in front of Nathan and Elaine. Not out of fear of attack, but in instinctive readiness. Elaine’s hand tightens protectively around her son, her pulse drumming under her skin.
On the floor, Michael stirs. His eyelids flutter open, unfocused at first. Then pain hits, dragging a ragged breath from him. Kathy’s hands tremble as she cups his cheek, tears spilling freely.
“Michael,” she whispers.
