The Council's opening arguments are a relentless assault on Anya's human frailty and political origins. Kaelan responds with a rigorous, logical defense, focusing on the Hybrid threat and presenting the technical evidence they jointly decrypted.
He meticulously details how Anya's superior human intellect, technological expertise, and cold logic proved invaluable where traditional Lycan intuition failed, arguing that modernization requires talent over bloodline.
However, his logical plea is met with outright contempt; the Council demands proof of heart, loyalty, and commitment, refusing to accept a mere strategic alliance. Seeing Kaelan's reasoned defense crumble under the weight of ancient prejudice, Anya knows she must discard the script entirely.
She steps forward, commanding the room's attention with her sudden, powerful shift in focus. She does not defend herself; she defends Kaelan's humanity. She articulates the emotional vulnerability he revealed in his confession—the past trauma and failure that drives his protectiveness—and describes how she, despite her profound fear of shifters, selflessly healed his grievous injury, an act of care that speaks louder than any mating instinct.
She reframes the bond, arguing it is not about dominance, but about providing the emotional balance and support that a strong Alpha needs to lead without collapsing under pressure.
This intimate, unexpected revelation—using Kaelan's private weakness as public proof of their commitment—stuns the Council and the audience into a stunned silence, gaining Anya a vital, momentary foothold of respect and shifting the entire narrative in her favor.