Drake's POV
The Nightshade Council chamber was colder than usual. The air carried no scent except the faint trace of silver polish and old parchment. I stood at the head of the long black table while the envoys waited for me to speak, each one silent and eyes flicking between me and the letter sealed with the sigil of the World Lycan Council.
Theo slid the envelope toward me. "It's real," he said quietly. "Straight from the High Regent. They know about Isla."
I broke the seal and read the message again, even though I already knew what it said. A direct summons and a warning disguised as diplomacy. Attend the Summit, present your case and the girl's existence threatens the balance.
I folded the paper and slipped it into my jacket. "They're moving faster than I expected." Theo shifted uneasily. "Do you plan to attend?"
"I'll attend," I said. "But I will not defend myself. I will redirect the blade."
He frowned. "Meaning?"
