As Amara and Darius re-entered the grand hall, the oppressive weight of the council’s authority bore down on them. The high ceilings and cold stone walls seemed even more imposing now, as if the very air in the room had grown heavier. Every footstep echoed ominously, amplifying the tension that gripped Amara’s chest.
Killian stood off to the side, his expression unreadable, but Amara could sense the smug satisfaction radiating from him. He was confident that the council would side with him, confident that the weight of werewolf law was on his side. Amara’s stomach churned with a mixture of anger and fear. She couldn’t let herself believe he had already won, but the doubt gnawed at her all the same.
Darius, beside her, was a steady presence. His hand tightened around hers as they approach
