KAELEN POV
The Council of Fangs convened at midnight in Thornhaven's deepest chamber—the Bloodstone Hall where our most ancient laws were written and our darkest secrets kept.
Thirteen elders ringed the obsidian table, each representing a vampire house older than recorded history. Their red eyes gleamed in candlelight, faces carved by centuries of survival and sacrifice.
Lord Crestfall sat at the head, power radiating from him like cold fire.
And in chains before them all—Lior. Returned from his failed assassination, blood still gold in his veins, bond mark blazing on his wrist like accusation.
"The hybrid returns." Elder Morrigan spoke first, voice like wind through tombs. "Empty-handed. Blade unused. The wolf still lives."
"Not just lives." I stepped forward, playing my role perfectly. "Thrives. Because Prince Lior—" I spat the title. "—couldn't bring himself to strike. Stood over the sleeping wolf with death-blade in hand and chose mercy over duty."
