Lyra’s Pov

The council circle was full when they dragged me out. Torches lit the night, and every pack member stood watching. Five elders sat on stone seats, Kael stood in front of them with his arms crossed. They had called him here right after sunset. I knew what was coming.

The oldest elder spoke first. “Kael, you bonded with an enemy. The law is clear, reject her or step down as Alpha.”

Kael didn’t even look at me. “I reject nothing.”

Murmurs rose. I stepped forward. The guards tried to hold me back, but I shook them off. “Let me speak.”

The elder nodded once. I walked to the...