Hazel’s POV

The Council doesn’t meet in halls.

It meets in the old circle ,stone monoliths under the sky, older than any pack, older than the laws Vincent broke.

Ten Alphas stand waiting.

Kael of Red River is with us. Borin of Winter Tooth came too, shame still carved into his face but his oath fresh on his tongue. Eight others. All of them staring at me.

At Cleric.

At the ten children behind us ;Miri, Rook, Wren, Galen, Eda, and the five from Black Fang. No chains. No collars. Clean clothes. Fed.

“Explain,” says Alpha Tormund of High Pine. He’s the oldest. His beard is white, his eyes ice....