"No one is surrendering anyone," Celeste said firmly. "But we need time to consider options."

Ravencrest pulled a pocket watch from his coat, checking it with casual elegance. "Time is a luxury I'm disinclined to grant. You have one hour to decide. Surrender the twins, or we attack. Every wolf here will die, and I'll take the twins anyway. At least this way, the rest of you survive."

He turned and walked back to his army, his silver hair catching moonlight like a banner.

The Council exploded into argument. Thorne advocated loudly for surrender. Damien remained silent, his expression calculating. I could see him weighing options, considering angles. If the...