The chamber still vibrated with the aftermath of the challenge.
Wolves whispered in tense clusters along the curved walls while guards adjusted their positions near the pillars. The torches burned low now, the smoke drifting slowly upward toward the vaulted ceiling.
Marco stood near the long council table, his tablet glowing faintly in the dim light.
He looked exhausted.
His fingers moved quickly across the screen while lines of financial records flickered past his eyes.
Numbers.
Transfers.
Accounts.
He muttered quietly to himself.
"Come on… come on… where the hell are you hiding…"
Luca leaned against the edge of the stone table beside him, watching with restless impatience.
"You've been staring at that damn screen for twenty minutes."
Marco didn't look up.
"Thirty-two."
"Whatever."
"Give me time."
Luca crossed his arms.
"Serena just accused you in front of the entire pack."
"Yes."
"And you're acting like you're balancing a fucking spreadsheet."
