Kaelen POV
Gregor found me before the frost had melted from my armor.
"The elders called an emergency council," he said. "They didn't wait for your summons."
I stopped walking. "Without my order?"
"They said it's about the parley. And the seven days."
His eyes met mine. "You should hurry. It sounds like treason."
The word hit harder than the cold.
When I entered the war tent, every voice stopped. The elders were already gathered — twelve in all, their faces sharp with anger, fear, and something worse: doubt.
They rose when I entered, but it wasn't respect. It was calculation.
Maren, the oldest and the loudest, spoke first. "Four days since your mate went to the vampire's tower," she said. "Four days since she crossed into enemy ground, and we've done nothing."
"We've prepared," I said. My voice came out steadier than I felt. "Scouts are in position. Lines are reinforced."
