Lucien’s POV
THE MOON hung fat and merciless above the Council grounds, its silver light painting the stone floor like a stage prepared for s*******r. The circle was set, ancient runes etched into the granite to contain the power of two Alphas. The Council sat on their thrones, silent and expectant, their judgment heavy in the air.
My wolf growled in my chest, restless, hungry for release. Kael Drevane stood across from me, shirt already stripped away, his body glistening in the lunar glow. He was every inch the predator he wanted to be—broad shoulders, thick arms, his stance radiating arrogance. His wolf prowled beneath his skin, just as mine did, but his smirk made clear: he thought tonight would end with my death.
“Lucien Thorne,” Kael called out, voice booming with the ritual cadenc
