The next morning brought the council meeting about Elara. Aria had been invited to attend as the primary person harmed by Elara's actions. She sat between her mother and Nessa in the council hall, watching as Elara was brought in to face judgment.
The council consisted of Nessa and Ezra as Luna and lead healer, Luca and Marcus as pack elders, and three other senior members Aria knew less well. They sat in a semicircle, with Elara standing alone in the center.
"Elara Vance," Nessa began formally. "You stand accused of betraying pack trust, providing intelligence about our Little Luna to a known threat, and endangering pack security. How do you plead?"
"Guilty," Elara said clearly. "I did everything you said. I'm not trying to deny it or make excuses."
"Why?" One of the other council members asked. "Why would you betray your own pack? Your childhood friend?"
