Night descended slowly upon the manor grounds, and the moon rose pale and watchful above the tall pine ridges surrounding the territory, while the faint murmur of distant wolves carried softly through the cool air like quiet reminders that the pack never truly slept.
Two lines of quiet wind brushed through the courtyard.
The lanterns along the stone walkway flickered gently.
Inside the balcony chamber Alessandro Romano stood alone near the open window, his broad shoulders tense while the events of the council meeting replayed within his mind again and again.
Three lines of restless thought crossed his face.
"Damn."
"She actually walked into that council."
"And turned the whole room upside down."
He exhaled slowly.
Five lines of deep reflection moved through his chest while the memory of Elara standing before the elders returned with sharp clarity, her voice calm and unwavering even while wolves older than her father had watched with judgmental eyes.
