The Great Chamber of the Neutral Citadel was built with high, curved tiers of black stone benches that rose toward the vaulted ceiling, packed to capacity with hundreds of Alphas, Lunas, and elite pack lords from every corner of the northern territories. At the center of the room sat a massive crescent-shaped table where the five High Judges of the Alliance sat in their heavy crimson robes, their faces cold and unreadable.

Nila walked down the center aisle, her hand locked in Kaelen’s wide grip. The heavy folds of her midnight-blue cloak brushed against the stone, the silver wolf brooch gleaming under the ring of burning torches.

They took their...