*Saoirse*
I braced myself as I entered my parents' sitting room, news of the royal summons weighing heavy on my tongue. My father sat rigid in his worn leather armchair, his face half-hidden behind the newspaper.
My mother perched tensely on the sofa next to Conall, whose stormy expression warned he already knew something was amiss. No one smiled in greeting at my arrival.
Swallowing hard, I forged ahead to break the uneasy silence. “I have been summoned to Egoren to present evidence to the royal council about the threats plaguing our village.”
Father slowly lowered his paper, his eyes narrowing. “Evidence? What on earth have you stirred up now, Saoirse? Was a call from the palace not enough to embarrass us?”
Conall glowered at me. “You went raving to outsiders? Have you lost your mind?”
I flinched, but I stood my ground. “I did what I must to protect our pack since no one here was listening. The prince himself finds my claims credible and offers his sponsorship.”
