Chapter 33: She is Mine

The Council Chamber was a circle of cold granite and colder wills. Situated deep within the neutral territory of the Central Summit, it was designed to intimidate, its high, vaulted ceiling amplifying every whisper and its walls lined with the impassive, ancient Stone Wolves—the carved likenesses of the first Alphas who forged the original treaties.

Today, the air was thicker than usual. Kade stood at the center of the ring, a lone figure in a freshly tailored black suit that did little to hide the powerful musculature or the raw, deep burns still visible on his hands. He was flanked by Jules, who looked deceptively calm, a datapad clutched like a weapon. Aria stood just behind Kade's right shoulder, wearing a simple, dark dress. Her composure was unnerving; she didn't fidget, she didn't look down, and the Copper-Gold light in her eyes was subdued but steady—the anchor Kade needed.

The three Elder Wolves presiding over the session were formidable. Alpha Ly