The council chamber's vaulted ceiling rose high enough for echoes to float like ghosts, and it was cut into the side of the cliff. The gathered wolves were surrounded by restless shadows from the torches that lined the walls. With hundreds of eyes focused on the circle of stone where judgment was to be rendered, the air was heavy with the stench of domination, dread, and suspense.

As Elaria entered the room, the chilly weight of each stare weighed down on her shoulders, and her heart ...