Amelia’s POV

After Beta Lucas spoke up for me, things stayed calm—at least for a while. Ryder led me to the long Alpha table at the front. He sat at the head, I was placed on his right, and Beta Lucas on his left. The elders filled the rest of the seats, their eyes sharp even as servants laid out roasted meat, bread, and fruit.

Every time Ryder’s gaze swept over them, their expressions shifted—tight smiles, polite nods. But the second he looked away, their real thoughts showed, ...