Ava
The silence that followed Chris’s announcement was deafening. I could practically hear the gears turning in each of the Elders’ heads as they processed his words. Bradley characteristically mussed up his red hair, Fatima and Claire exchanged wary glances, and Elise ground her jaw repeatedly.
Finally, Elise was—of course—the first to break the silence. She rose from her chair, gripping the edge of the table.
“Humans? Living in Moonstone and marrying Moonstone residents?” she sputtered incredulously. “Alpha Chris, with all due respect… Have you lost your mind?”
Despite Elise’s dig, Chris remained calm, his posture straight and poised as he faced Elise. “I assure you, I’m quite sane, Elise. For the most part.” He shot me a wink.
“But… This is surely unprecedented, Alph
