Elara's POV
Lucian did not speak immediately.
He simply stood there, his gaze fixed on Silas as the last echo of his defiant words faded.
The clearing fell still, no one moved, no one dared, every wolf there understood that whatever happened was older than law, rank, and even fear itself.
Then Lucian raised a hand.
A murmur moved through the crowd as three of the oldest wolves stepped forward. Their age showed in their gray hair and weathered faces.
Mai's fingers closed around my sleeve, and I did not realize I had been shaking until then.
The elders positioned themselves at three points around Silas, forming a triangle and his smug expression flickered for the first time.
"What are you doing?" Vanya said, panic in her voice.
No one answered her. Each elder withdrew a silver blade from beneath their robes and sliced their palms, the dark blood spilling onto the stone.
