Chapter 89

Briar’s POV

The Council chambers felt ancient and imposing, carved stone walls lined with flickering torches that cast dancing shadows across our faces. Three high-backed chairs sat elevated on a dais, occupied by the Elders who governed this neutral territory—a place where supernatural beings could gather without the usual territorial conflicts.

Elder Ama sat in the center, her silver hair braided with intricate beads that caught the firelight. To her left, Elder Nilo’s weathered face bore the stern expression of someone who’d seen too many conflicts, while Elder Maura on the right watched us with calculating eyes that missed nothing.

"Briar Ashford, the bone in my kingdom" Elder Ama’s voice echoed through the chamber, formal and cold. "Kai, Lycan King of the Northern Territories. You stand before us in grave circumstances."

I felt Kai’s presence beside me like a steady anchor, his hand briefly brushing mine in silent support. The