The council chamber was packed. Wolves filled the benches and leaned against the stone walls. Torches burned in iron sconces, but the light felt sharp and thin.
At the center of the room Korrin Vale stood in iron cuffs. He did not look surprised. He did not look broken. He looked like a man who had already decided how the story would end.
The head elder spoke without heat.
"Korrin Vale. You were hired to hurt our people. You sold your skill as a hunter to men who wanted our wolves weakened. You set traps and nets. You hunted Aiden Calder and kept him as bait. You helped deliver our kin to human hands. You burned one wolf to cover your work. Do you deny any of this?"
Korrin's reply was flat. "I deny nothing."
"Do you regret it?" the elder asked.
Korrin's mouth tightened. "No. Wolves fight. Wolves kill. I chose coin over oath. I would do it again."
