The council chamber was already full when Seren arrived.
She had not intended to come. The morning after her wedding, she had planned to sleep late, eat breakfast in bed, and ignore the world for at least a few hours. But the messenger had arrived at dawn with urgent news: Lady Sera's Eastern Pack was demanding renegotiation of trade terms, threatening to seek alliance with southern packs if refused.
So, Seren had pulled on her wedding dress—the silver gown still smelling of wine and flowers—and walked to the council chamber without bothering to change to something else.
She entered through the main doors, her hair still loose, three rings glittered on her finger. Behind her, Kael and Theron flanked her like shadows. Aeron was already inside, seated at the head of the table, his expression grim.
The chamber went silent.
