First light crept through cracks in the dwelling, cold and grey.
Faelyn woke to find both chiefs already awake, watching her with worried eyes.
"It's time," Roshan said quietly.
She nodded, sat up, prepared herself for whatever came next.
They left the dwelling together.
Warriors waited outside, both panther and leopard, forming an escort through the village.
Leopards lined the path, staring and whispering as they passed.
Some hostile.
Some curious.
Some scared.
Faelyn walked between her chiefs with her head high and back straight, refusing to show weakness.
Ready to face judgment.
The council chambers loomed ahead, large and imposing.
Dawn broke over the trees, spilling golden light across the entrance.
Twelve elders waited inside.
Korin at the head with that cold smile.
Ready to tear her apart.
Ready to separate her from her mates.
Ready to exile her or worse.
The doors opened.
They stepped inside together.
Into judgment.
ฅᨐฅ ⚞ • ⚟ ฅᨐฅ
