It felt oppressive in the meeting room.

There was a tangible sensation of fear in the air as the torches on the stone walls flickered dimmer than they had before, casting long, wavering shadows across the room. The tension that permeated the entire room made the pack banner that was hanging behind the council table look heavy and sagging.

The scroll trembled in my hand. Maybe it was my fingers.

No one came close. Normally hovering at my side like a shadow ready to strike at the first ...