#Chapter 289: The Verdict

Hannah The Alpha Council’s expressions were as inscrutable as ever as they moved through the crowd. Drake was among them, although he kept his face impassive other than the barest wink in my direction. But it did little to ease my worries. The eldest among them, Alpha George, moved at the forefront of the group. He tilted his chin toward the house as he approached. “If we could speak privately?” It was framed as a question, but it was really a command. Noah’s hand found the small of my back, giving me a silent nod. With our spines straight, we led the way through the sea of people, guiding the Council toward the house. The walk to the study felt endless, and it was all I could do to keep my knees from giving out. This meeting was everything. If we failed to convince the Council, then all of our effort—the plans, the sacrifices, the months of work—would have been for nothing. Once inside, I asked one of the housekeepers to bring some tea. The Council