Chapter 105

ANDRES Although the voting had concluded, a sense of tension lingered within the council hall. No alliance, no unified front, and a room full of wolves who thought themselves cunning enough to mask their hostility. Valentina stood beside me, her chin high, defiance radiating from her in sharp, beautiful edges. She didn’t flinch under the stares, didn’t bow her head in defeat. She stood like a queen—my queen. It seemed likely that she was engaged in a serious conversation with her wolf. Although I had not heard the words exchanged, I had observed how her posture stiffened in response. Even now, as the banners overhead swayed with the draft, she looked carved from something unbreakable. But then her head tilted—ever so slightly. Her gaze slid toward the shadowed rafters above the council chamber, and a faint crease formed between her brows. I stepped closer. “What is it?” I murmured, observing the silent spark that flashed across her eyes. Her eyes didn’t leave the shadows. “Heartbeat.”