Chapter 47

The hall erupted in murmurs and protests. Blackthorn remained seated, his expression calm, even amused. He gestured for quiet, and remarkably, the room settled.

"Strong words," he said mildly. "I look forward to seeing your proof."

Arianna nodded to Peter, who began distributing copies of the financial documents to wolves throughout the hall. Daniel stood near the front, his hands shaking but his expression determined.

"Over the past three months," Arianna continued, "Alpha Blackthorn has collected thirty percent of all settlement revenue as tribute. He's claimed this was necessary for security, administration, and infrastructure maintenance. But the actual cost of those services is less than fifteen percent—the rate...