For a moment after Aldric's words, the chamber remained unusually quiet.
The tension that had been directed at Corvin slowly shifted across the room and eventually it landed on Rogan.
One of the older council members, a grey-haired alpha seated two tables away, leaned forward slightly.
"Rogan Hale," he said.
Rogan lifted his gaze.
"You are the girl's guardian, correct?"
"Yes."
The answer was simple and immediate.
"How long has she been under your care?" The alpha continued.
"Since the day she was born."
That answer caused a noticeable shift in the room.
The alpha frowned slightly. "You raised her?"
"Yes."
"And her parents?"
Rogan's expression remained unchanged. "They died."
The chamber fell quiet for a moment.
Another council member spoke.
"So you are telling this council that the girl has been under your supervision her entire life—" His eyes narrowed slightly. "and you never noticed anything unusual about her?"
Rogan answered without hesitation. "No."
