The estate council chamber had not felt this heavy in decades.
Stone walls that once held quiet discussions now trapped sharp whispers and restless tension. The long oak table in the center of the room stood crowded with elders whose faces carried years of authority—and now, doubt.
Elara stood near the back wall beside Luca, arms folded tightly across her chest.
She could feel the unease pulsing through the room like a fever.
Tradition had always ruled here.
Tradition said elders guided the pack.
Tradition said the Alpha listened.
But tonight tradition looked… fragile.
Elder Matteo slammed his palm against the table.
"This is madness."
Another elder nodded sharply.
"Closing the territory was reckless."
Across from him, Elder Rhea's voice cut in, calm but cold.
"What is reckless is ignoring Lucien's provocation."
Matteo scoffed.
"Oh please."
He leaned forward.
"The Alpha is blinded."
Elara stiffened.
Luca muttered under his breath.
"Here we go."
