Chapter 57. A Blood Oath

Selena’s POV

Noon at the Council compound. We made it back in time, but just barely. Only because we sang the right song, and kept it together.

The chamber is still a crescent of polished benches and eyes; the floor between is where people go to be reasonable, and where we stood when we were here this morning. My voice is less shredded this time, but I drink the tea with honey, and accept Caleb’s unrepentant hovering, so when Aunt Amanda squeezes my arm and tips her chin toward the wolf bench, I nod. Ready.

Alpha Matthew takes center with Desmond and Cleo flanking. Jamie and Sienna sit to the right, Zane to the left, Rowan a careful three paces behind him, visible the way a promise is visible when you’re trying to keep it. Luna Anna is sunlight in a chair and dad is a shadow leaning against a pillar and pretending the pillar leans on him. Lord Marius looks amused in the way only people older than consequences can manage. Aster Lavigne, the witch speaker, pen