"As is every wolf." I meet his eyes steadily. "I've never claimed otherwise. I just won't accept discriminatory treatment disguised as public safety."
"This session is adjourned." Marcus strikes the gavel with more force than necessary.
Councilors stand, some approaching each other in heated discussion. Helena makes her way down from the bench, her expression carefully neutral but eyes twinkling.
"Well played." She says quietly. "You brought documentation they couldn't refute and exposed hypocrisy they can't defend. Marcus Thorne is furious, which means you won."
"I don't feel like I won. I feel like I just made powerful enemies."
"You made enemies who can't act against you without exposing their own corruption. That's better than winning." Helena glances at Marcus, who's in intense d
