Damian’s POV
The council chamber fell quiet when I entered, but the silence held no respect. It held complaints from people who believed they had enough support to challenge me.
I took my place at the head of the black table. Marcus stayed near the doors, watching the elders. Elder Vance sat with his hands folded, his silver hair neat and his face full of false concern. He had called this meeting before I had finished returning to the Wolfe Empire.
“Let us begin,” I said.
Vance stood. “The council is concerned about the direction of the empire.”
“Then tell me what concerns you.”
“Our forces are stretched by the conflict with Black Fang. Allied packs are asking whether we can protect them, and our enemies are testing our borders. Yet you continue to spend time in human territory.”
“T
