Chapter 21

Draven’s POV

It was well past noon, and the sun had already claimed the sky. I sat in the grand castle hall with Thea to my left and Galen and Mason—my two most trusted friends—to my right. Before me, the last-ranked member of our pack’s court strode in, followed by wave after wave of warriors. Every face was tense, every gaze questioning as it fixed on me.

Following Seraphine’s instructions, I had summoned every ranked pack member and every warrior—trained and in training—to this hall. Today, Maeve would face judgment for the attack that nearly cost Thea’s life—and threatened mine. But I hoped it would not go so far; Seraphine believed she could unmask the true assailant, using the blood found on Maeve’s dagger as evidence. If her plan succeeded, Maeve would be exonerated and the real culprit revealed.

The chamber grew crowded until it felt as if the walls were closing in. Sensing that all were present, I rose. Instantly, hushed whispers died on every lip;