Trial Under the Blood Moon
The valley did not erupt into chaos.
It tightened.
Like a drawn bowstring moments before release.
Council banners cut across the ridge in disciplined formation red and silver sigils blazing beneath the descending sun. Fifty mounted enforcers. Ten High Guards in ceremonial armor. And at their center.
High Inquisitor Varent.
Old.
Composed.
Deadly in the way only men who hide behind law can be.
Aurelia stood at the valley's heart.
Not elevated.
Not shielded.
Lucien on her right.
Darius on her left.
Alaric slightly behind, silent gravity in human form.
Cassian somewhere unseen where he preferred to operate.
The packs had gathered.
North Ridge.
Iron Claw.
Three neutral territories.
Two undecided.
Whispers moved through the wolves like wind through tall grass.
The Council halted thirty paces away.
High Inquisitor Varent dismounted slowly.
