Chapter 60

The council chamber felt smaller than usual with everyone packed inside—Ruth, Helena, Thomas, Blackthorn, and half a dozen senior wolves whose opinions Arianna had learned to value. They'd been arguing for two hours, and consensus seemed as distant as ever.

"It's obviously a trap," Helena said for the third time, her warrior's instincts screaming caution. "Viktor doesn't strike me as sentimental enough to actually risk his heir for peace negotiations. There has to be an angle we're not seeing."

"But what angle?" Thomas countered. "If Natasha's truly his daughter and heir, her presence here gives us enormous leverage. Viktor can't attack while we hold her, not without risking...