The council chamber did not feel like sanctuary anymore.
It felt like aftermath.
The long oak table bore scratches that had not been there before— claw marks where someone had lost control long enough to leave proof of it behind.
Luca did not sit.
He stood at the far end, hands braced against the polished surface as if it were the only thing keeping him upright.
"We failed her."
No one answered.
Of course they didn't.
Because the truth had already settled in the silence between them.
"She was removed under elder protocol," Matteo said finally.
Formal.
Measured.
Safe.
Luca's laugh came out sharp.
"Protocol?"
Grrr—
The low sound that followed had nothing to do with shifting.
Everything to do with restraint.
"She was taken from our protection because we voted to distance the Alpha," he went on. "Don't dress it up as procedure."
One of the older wolves shifted in his seat.
"Watch your tone."
"Or what?"
Disdain curled his mouth before he could stop it.
