The council chamber held no warmth. Stone walls. Iron sconces. A single table where the elders sat in judgment.
Shannon stood at the head, shoulders squared. Bran waited in the shadows, jaw tight. Tristan kept to the rear, violin case closed at his feet.
Aiden entered under guard, rope at his wrists but no chains. He did not fight the restraint. His eyes moved over the room and stopped on Shannon.
The elder in the center spoke first.
"Aiden Calder, wolf of the border, once sworn to defend this valley. You stand accused of taking coin to betray that oath. You aided human brokers, kidnapped the Alpha's chosen, attempted to deliver him twice into enemy hands. You shed blood with a knife, killed a man under contract, and stole from the vault of House Mendez. How do you answer?"
Aiden's voice was flat. "I did all of it."
A murmur spread through the chamber. Bran's hands curled into fists.
The elder continued. "You claim no denial?"
