Aria watched Elder Faen stomp out of the throne room with furrowed brows.

“Is that -?” her lips parted as she turned around to look at her mate.

But Lucien was already facing her. He squeezed her hand and flashed her a smile, “Don’t worry about it.” he shrugged, “The council only has as much power as we give to it. This is our pack, and it is governed by our rules. Not theirs."

Aria nodded, his smile and grounding presence anchored her back to the reality of her situation. ...