Flattery is often the prelude to betrayal.
The council chamber doors opened.
Nine council members sat in their traditional semicircle. Councilor Vex on the left. Diana Silvermoon in the center position of authority. Others arranged by seniority and influence.
And standing before them, radiating confidence, Gideon.
He'd brought five people with him. Not quite guards. Not quite advisors. Carefully positioned to appear respectful while projecting strength.
Every eye turned as Darius and I entered.
The bond between us was visible now. No longer hidden or compartmentalized. Our wolves synchronized so completely that anyone with instincts could feel it.
Diana Silvermoon's expression flickered. Recognition. Calculation. The realization that something had fundamentally changed.
Councilor Vex studied us carefully. The spy measuring what new intelligence he'd gained just from our entrance.
