THE COUNCIL'S JUDGMENT
Selene's POV
The council chamber doors loomed before me like the gates of hell.
My hand trembled in Damon's grip, but I refused to pull away. If I was going to face my executioners, I'd do it standing tall.
Even if my knees wanted to buckle.
Even if every instinct screamed at me to run.
"You don't have to do this,"
Damon murmured, his thumb brushing across my knuckles.
"Say the word and we leave. Right now."
I looked up at him—this Alpha who'd turned his world upside down for me. Who'd defied his council, his pack, everything he'd built.
For a broken Crescent wolf.
"Yes, I do."
My voice came out steadier than I felt.
"If I run now, I'll be running forever. I'm done being prey."
Something fierce flashed in his silver eyes. Pride, maybe. Or possession.
The bond pulsed between us, warm and insistent.
He pushed the doors open.
The chamber fell silent the moment we entered.
