The Silvermere Assembly Hall was built for intimidation.

Vaulted stone ceilings.

Ironwood pillars carved with the pack's history, wars won, alliances forged, Alphas who'd ruled and died, been replaced by their sons.

Torches in iron sconces lined the walls, casting the kind of flickering light that made everyone look like a painting from a darker century.

Three hundred wolves filled the hall.

Every seat taken. Standing room packed.

The entire Silvermere Pack crammed into a space that suddenly felt too small, not because of the bodies, because of the power in the room.

The Elder Council sat on a raised platform at the front, five ancient wolves in formal robes,...