Kael’s POV

I left the council chamber restless that morning. The noise from downstairs had reached me even before the guards reported it. By the time I arrived, Aria was already in the middle of it, standing with fire in her eyes while Elena screamed about her missing jewelry. The entire pack house had been dragged into her performance like children summoned to answer for crimes they never committed.

I didn’t say much then. I simply ended it. One command from me and Elena had no choice but to retreat, though not without throwing daggers from her eyes at Aria. But I caught every detail,the way Aria placed herself between...