The hall felt colder now.
Even the air itself seemed to hold its breath.
The gathered pack stood in tense silence as Damon was forced to his knees before the council.
Chains glinted at his wrists and throat — silver cuffs and a collar meant for rogues.
The once-proud Delta of the New Moon Pack was barely recognizable now: eyes bloodshot, hair disheveled, jaw trembling with barely suppressed rage.
River sat between Heiko and Alpha Taylor, her fingers locked around Heiko’s hand.
The tension in her mate’s body was like a live wire — pure fury contained only by duty.
Alpha Taylor rose slowly from his seat, his presence radiating authority.
“Delta Damon,” he began, voice deep, resonant, and cold, “you have heard the accusations brought against you. You have heard Isabelle confess to the
