The Council representative arrived three days later. His name was Aldric, a middle-aged wolf from a neutral pack with stern features and cold eyes. He introduced himself with minimal warmth and immediately began establishing his authority.
"I'm here to oversee Nightshade's operations," he announced at a meeting of senior pack members. "All decisions regarding refugees, alliances, territory changes, or significant resource allocation must be approved by me first. I'll be conducting daily reports to the Council on your activities."
"Daily reports?" Drake said incredulously. "That's excessive."
"That's the Council's requirement," Aldric said without sympathy. "You're under investigation. Transparency is mandatory."
"And if we disagree with your decisions?" Ezra asked carefully.
"You can appeal to the full Council, but my rulings stand until they overturn them. Which rarely happens." Aldric's expression made it clear he knew the power he held over us.
