Alpha Frost sat in the ornate waiting area of the Royal Palace, his fingers drumming against the leather armrest. His family occupied their assigned suite with Rowan and Julia, but restlessness kept him from joining them. The weight of his Pack's future pressed down on his shoulders like a stone.
Elder Beatrice had reached out weeks ago with unsettling news. There was a possibility the hearing might not conclude with a definitive ruling. King Patton faced some unavoidable commitment that could interfere, though the Elders were working to reschedule it.
As compensation for the inconvenience, Frost's entire family and Beta had been invited to attend. Julia received an invitation as well, given her involvement in the proceedings. Everyone had accepted eagerly, treating it almost like a vacation rather than the life-altering trial it truly was.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor, drawing Frost's attention upward.
