The reception hall had not haboured so many council members and elders in years.

Now, it was bursting with tension.

Alpha lords and war-scarred Betas filled the circular chamber, their ranks drawn from the fractured remnants of Blackpine, Twilight, Stonefang, and scattered rogue clans who had pledged themselves during the war. The great flame at the center flickered uneasily—like it, too, sensed something fragile teetering on the edge.

Troy stood at the head of the circle, flanked by Kalen ...