The room was shut tight. The windows were covered with thick cloth to block the light from inside. A single lantern burned on the table in the center of the room. Its weak glow revealed the faces of the people gathered around it.
Thirteen wolves were present in the room. Eight of them sat around the wooden table while five stood. Some were nobles. Some were elders in councils. Some were officials. Others were men who operated quietly behind the scenes. All of them shared the same secret.
They served the Dark Lord.
The air in the room felt tense. No one spoke at first. Each man waited for someone else to begin.
Elder Toben sat at the head of the table with his arms crossed. His shoulders were stiff, and his jaw remained tight. Next to him was Elder Hiram, who kept his hands flat on the table, his eyes looking from face to face. Across from him sat Elder Varon, watching the room with the patience of a man used to waiting.
The others watched the three men carefully.
