The council chambers were exactly as imposing as I'd feared. High ceilings carved with ancient pack histories. Seven seats arranged in a semicircle, elevated above where we'd stand. Windows designed to let in light while keeping occupants in shadow.

Every architectural choice calculated to make those being judged feel small.

"Breathe," Darius said quietly as we waited outside. "We've faced worse."

"Have we?" I adjusted my armor, cleaned but still bearing marks from battle. "At least in ...