POV: Ryker

The regional gathering is held in a neutral hall halfway between the northern territories and the coast, the kind of place designed to make every Alpha feel equally welcome and equally watched. High windows. Long tables. Enough open floor that no one can approach without being seen. I prefer rooms like this. Fewer shadows to hide in.

Ayla walks at the center of our group. Caius on her right, Zane half a step behind, me on her left. The announcement of the formal claim has already traveled. Conversations pause when we enter. Eyes follow. Some with respect. Some with calculation. None of them are foolish enough to speak...