The Blackwood estate was more than a home. It was a fortress.
As Lucian led Amara through its gates, she realized just how out of place she was. Everything around her was ancient stone. And the cold stares she got?
You're walking into a den of wolves, Lucian warned without looking at her. Ensure to keep your mouth shut unless you want it bitten off.
Noted, she muttered clearly frightened but determined
But that didn't stop her from noticing everything.
The mansion was alive. Men and women moved like soldiers, guards who blended into trees.
They stepped into a long hall. At the end stood a round stone table, where six people were already waiting.
The Council.
Lucian didn't introduce her.
He didn't have to.
They already knew who she was.
The woman in the center narrowed her eyes. So. The human?.
Amara, Lucian said tightly. I brought her in. She received a threat last night."
Another councilman growled. She shouldn't be here at all.
Amara straightened. I didn't ask to be part of this. But someone clearly wants me out of the way.
The room grew still.
Then the woman in the center leaned forward. Let me be very clear, human your presence here is dangerous.
Lucian's gaze darkened.
She's under my protection, he said.
A ripple of murmurs spread across the room.
Another man sneered. "Since when do you protect humans, Lucian?"
Lucian didn't cower. Since the people I trust started acting like cowards. Threatening a human in the middle of the night? That's not dominance. That's stupidity.
The lead woman finally spoke again. We will carry out an investigation. Quietly. But if this causes problems with the other packs, it's your name they'll come for, Lucian.
Let them, he said.
He turned to Amara.
We're done here.
Back outside, Amara exhaled for the first time in minutes.
Does everyone in your world speak like they're five seconds from ripping each other's throats out?
Lucian didn't smile. Because they are.
You know someone in that room sent the note?. He said
I know.
Then what am I to do now.
Lucian's eyes gleamed, gold flickering beneath the surface.
Now? he said. Now we play politics.