Kent breaks the stunned silence. “We want it said that Alpha Arnold had no knowledge of this wicked plot, and was appalled when he found out. He did what any responsible Alpha would do and exiled Haydon Blessing on the spot. The traitor is not welcome in the Nightstalkers’ kingdom or ours.”

The guests’ eyes turn to red and gold. Growls of righteous fury fill the room.

Alpha Arnold raises a hand and Kent nods at him, beckoning him. When he approaches us, we move ...