The Pack Council chamber, typically reserved for solemn, formal judgments, was now filled with palpable tension. Every wolf present, from the senior elders to the ranking warriors, was visibly shocked to see Katelyn. They had not anticipated the presence of the royal Princess in their pack, especially at this critical, unauthorized hour.
Sage strode toward the dais, ensuring Katelyn was settled securely in the seat right next to his own before he took the imposing Alpha's seat. William and Blythe took their less elevated, respective places, looking grim and deeply troubled.
"Alpha, why has the council suddenly been called?" inquired Senior Harvey, one of the most respected elders. "We heard unsettling rumors that Miss Zoey has been kidnapped."
