Cyrus POV.

The journey back to Windermere takes two days. I have too much time to think. I rehearse what I'll say to my council. None of it sounds like anything but pathetic excuses. Windermere scouts spot me at the border. Word spreads before I reach the main territory. By the time I arrive, wolves line the paths. Watching. Silent.

No one greets me. No one speaks. They just stare. I see confusion in their faces. Disappointment. Anger. They know something's wrong. The council is assembled when ...