The chamber was still ringing with the Lycan King and Elder's command when Aldrake slumped back into his chair, his jaw clenched in silent fury. The humiliation burned his pride raw—never before had he been silenced so publicly, so ruthlessly, not even by his equals.
His shoulders stiffened as whispers rippled through the hall, some amused at his downfall, others wary of his growing temper. But he dared not meet the King's gaze again; the weight of that golden stare still pressed against his chest like a blade.
The Elder Council leader turned once more to Livia, his expression grave. "You may continue, child. Speak your truth."
Livia swallowed hard, her throat dry as sand, but she refused to cower. The silence of the chamber was heavy, all eyes fixed upon her trembling figure. Her fingers dug into the fabric of her gown, nails biting deep as she forced the words past the knot in her throat.
