(Isla)
I remained where I was.
The chamber had nearly emptied, but I couldn't bring myself to move. Vaela stood quietly inside me, watching every doorway and every face that remained. The rage that had carried us through the hearing had settled into a deep exhaustion.
The bond reached for me.
'You are safe,' Caius said.
I closed my eyes.
Safe.
The word no longer felt impossible. I was still learning how to believe it.
Vaela lowered her head.
'He cannot touch us anymore.'
'No.'
'Neither can the others.'
I opened my eyes again.
The Chief Elder remained near the council table. He looked toward Caius before turning his attention back to me. Respect filled his face in a way I had never expected to receive.
"You have endured more than any wolf should."
I held his gaze.
I couldn't
