King Renald and the Alpha King Gerald sat at the end of a long table inside the council chamber. Renald was flanked by stiff-backed soldiers and a few wary elders. Gerald sat with his warriors with a calm expression, which only seemed to make Renald even more nervous.

Xenia entered, Micah on her right, Cristobal on her left. She moved to the center of the chamber while Micah and Cristobal greeted the kings. She knew she didn’t have much time so she got to work. She pulled out a dagger, causing the guards to go for their weapons.

“It’s fine.”

Both Cristobal and Micah assured them as Xenia drew blood...