But Elder James isn't finished.
"The council acknowledges the revised ruling," he says, and his voice is bitter with barely contained fury. "However, regardless of Alpha Crawford's crimes, the facts remain that Ember Aragon committed adultery while legally mated. The Lycan King pursued a married woman. And the recording played in this chamber proves their relationship began as deception, not destiny."
He leans forward, his eyes cold.
"Love is not proven simply because her husband turned out to be a monster. The council requires assurance that this relationship is genuine before fully clearing the Lycan King's name."
Knox stands.
He doesn't let go of my hand. When he speaks, his voice carries indisputable pitch of a king who has never needed to raise his voice to be heard.
"Then test
