Chapter 44

Aubrey's POV The council hall stretched before us like something out of a medieval castle, all polished marble floors and soaring ceilings with crystal chandeliers that cast dancing patterns of light across the walls. My heels clicked against the stone as I followed Knox toward a set of imposing double doors at the far end, each step echoing in the vast space. The doors themselves were works of art—thick, dark wood carved with intricate pack symbols that seemed to watch our approach. My heart hammered against my ribs as we drew closer. This wasn't just any meeting—this was me stepping into the very heart of pack politics, into a room full of people I was supposed to be working against. The guilt sat heavy in my stomach, made worse by how natural Knox's hand felt in mine. The doors swung open silently on well-oiled hinges, revealing a chamber that took my breath away. Three elderly men sat on an elevated platform at the far end, their faces weathered with age but their eyes sharp with c