Serena glanced at the man seated to the Alpha's right, a position usually held by the pack's Beta. She inhaled sharply and focused on the Beta.
The Alpha's overwhelming scent filled the air, stirring sothing primal inside her. Every nerve in her body scread at her to leave, but she planted her feet firmly in place.
"Who are you?" the Beta repeated, his tone firm.
Serena shifted uncomfortably, struggling to find the right words. How could she answer in a way that wouldn't put her in imdiate danger? Back in Silverstone, she would have answered without hesitation. Children would flock to her, tugging at her cloak, their faces bright with delight. They'd beg for her to show them her magic tricks, "Auntie Healy, show us the stars in your pocket!" they'd chirp.
But here, revealing too much could be fatal. She needed to carefully mix truth with lies, omitting the more dangerous details. The penman had stopped writing, his gaze now fixed on her, joining the seven other pairs of eyes scrutinizing her every move.
"Well, go on," urged an Elder seated at the far end of the table, his voice sharp and impatient.
"I am Serena," she began cautiously. The Elder raised a skeptical brow.
"Serena... Evers." She chewed the inside of her cheek, knowing her words walked a fine line. It wasn't entirely a lie, Evers was her father's surna before he had been assimilated into Silverstone but it wasn't the full truth either.
The elderly woman who had spoken earlier tapped on the table, her gaze steady. "Where do you co from?" she asked, seated at the Alpha's left side.
Serena hesitated, searching the woman's face for a sign of hostility and finding none. Her eyes, lined with age, held an unexpected kindness. "From the wilderness, Elder. I... I was born of a rogue," she replied hesitantly.
The older woman shook her head, a look of pity crossing her face. "Poor child," she muttered softly.
"Julian," another woman interjected, looking across at the Elder who had previously quirked a brow at Serena. "Search the records for that na...Evers," her voice was sharp and business like
Julian shook his head dismissively. "No need. If she ca from a rogue," he said with disdain, "then there will be no records. Those uncivilized people keep no history, like mist, they appear for a mont and vanish just as quickly."
Serena bristled at his words but held her tongue, her fingers curling slightly as her nails dug into her palms.
The red-haired man raised his hand, the murmurs in the hall instantly silencing. "Elders," he began, his voice asured. "I called this eting because Emtt approached about allowing Serena..." Serena's heart fluttered at the sound of her na from his lips. She still didn't know his na. "...to shelter with us until Hollowgale has passed."
A man scoffed. "A rogue? Within the borders of Ironshade?" the man seated next to the Beta asked incredulously, his tone filled with disbelief. The Elder at the far end of the table nodded solemnly in agreent. "It will not be done."
–
The man who had remained silent throughout the eting finally spoke, his voice asured. "The people may not take kindly to this decision," he said, his gaze shifting to Serena. He tilted his head slightly, "Still, I am grateful for you saving my brother's life."
Serena couldn't resist a small smile and offered a slight bow. It ward her heart to know soone appreciated her efforts in the council room.
"However," he continued, "allowing a rogue into our pack is bound to stir unrest. If word gets out that she saved the life of our Scoutmaster, it could lead to a protest."
The woman who had earlier suggested checking the records pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Cedar is right. We must maintain the people's trust. Unhappy people will not serve the treasury of this house."
Serena observed the discussion carefully, noting each speaker's deanor and expressions. Her eyes eventually settled on the Alpha, who was watching her intently, his hands clasped under his chin. Serena fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny, holding her ground despite the faint tremor in her limbs.
—
Serena watched as Emtt brushed past her, folding his arms. "I would be on this table if I hadn't declined Alpha Darius's request."
So that was his na. Serena thought it suited him, a serious na for a serious man. She wasn't entirely sure why the Scoutmaster was advocating for her to stay in the pack, but she was grateful nonetheless. She had survived one Hollowgale in her life, but this one had co earlier than expected, and she wasn't ready to die. Not yet.
"She saved the lives of two young adults, my daughter and Jack. You know how much influence Jack's mother holds in this pack," Emtt continued.
Serena tuned out the conversation, her mind overwheld by the unfamiliar nas and alliances. Perhaps a benevolent spirit had possessed Emtt, compelling him to help her.
"I understand our feelings toward rogues," Emtt added, "but I am convinced she is blessed by our goddess."
Serena nearly laughed at the statent. A lovely sentint, but she felt more cursed by the goddess than blessed.
"Emtt is right," the older woman interjected.
"Feelings should not dictate how we run this pack," a woman nad Iris countered.
The older woman's tone sharpened. "Iris, you are too detached from the pack. You bury yourself in checks and balances." She sighed deeply. "It's alright. I consulted the Moonseeker, and I believe this child before us is indeed blessed."
Serena was fine with whatever they said about her, as long as it ant a warm bed for the winter.
"We cannot let anything through our borders," the man sitting next to the Beta, Silas, declared.
"Silas, you simply need to open your heart," Emtt urged.
Silas's eyes narrowed. "Do you know how many n I've lost to rogue attacks? And now we're supposed to welco one with open arms?"
"Enough," Darius's voice thundered. He rose from his seat, hands firmly planted on the table, his gaze locked onto Serena. "She will stay."
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