*Shadow Pack ---- Elders Hall, Night*

Crystal stood at Ryder's side, her fingers cold against her thigh though she forced her spine straight. The eyes of the Shadow Pack elders bore down on her like blades. Their gazes were searching for any sign of weakness.

Alpha Darius sat at the highest seat, his frame massive, shoulders draped in black fur. His eyes bore a gaze that rarely betrayed what he thought. To his right sat Evren, his Beta, silent as ever, though his watchful eyes ...