Chapter 21 · Pack Politics

The council didn't forgive easily.

Sebastian stood in the great hall of Blackwood territory—a stone chamber older than the city, older than the shipping empire, older than the lies the elders had told themselves about stability and bloodline. Twenty-three wolves faced him. Half looked furious. Half looked afraid.

"You're proposing to reinstate Zaia Blackwood as Luna," Elder Harrington said. His voice dripped contempt. "A woman who fled the pack. Who hid the Alpha's heirs. Who built a company that competes with our interests."

"A woman who was cast out while pregnant," Sebastian replied. His Alpha command pressed against the room—not forcing submission, but demanding attention. "A woman who raised my sons alone while we spread lies about her character. A woman who cleared her name when your chosen Luna tried to destroy her."

Murmurs. Marcus Hale stood at Sebastian's right, arms crossed, expression neutral.

"The bond is active," Elder Vance said—a woman who'd always been more pragmatic than Harrington. "The children are legitimate. Paternity is confirmed. What exactly are we opposing?"

"Celeste's family," Harrington snapped. "Northern Ridge has withdrawn their trade agreements. They're threatening sanctions."

"Northern Ridge can threaten." Sebastian's voice was cold. "Celeste committed espionage.