The council chambers felt like a trap the moment we stepped inside.

Seven council members sat in their usual positions, but today the atmosphere was different. Colder. More formal. Lady Katheris's expression gave nothing away, but Lord Henric looked almost satisfied.

And standing to the side, arms crossed and wearing council colors, was Alpha Mordain himself.

He was older than I'd expected. Gray streaked his dark hair, and lines creased his face. But his eyes were sharp, calculating, missing ...