Judgment came, but the storm was far from over.
The council chamber emptied slowly, members filing out with expressions ranging from satisfaction to concern. The political compromise left everyone partially dissatisfied—exactly as Katheris intended. A verdict that maintained stability while addressing the extremes just inadequately enough to prevent either faction from dominating.
Katheris remained, waiting until the last council member departed and only us, Caleb, and Celeste were left. Private conversation was finally possible once the official proceedings concluded.
"Walk with me," she said. Not a request—a command softened by tone rather than phrasing. She understood that some discussions required privacy that the formal chamber couldn't provide.
Through the bond, I felt Darius's wariness. Private conversations with powerful Alphas carried risks that formal proceedings didn't. But there was also curiosity—wondering what Katheris wanted to say beyond the official verdict.
