Taking the speaking stone, I let my gaze sweep across the sea of faces—each one bright with anticipation, practically vibrating with excitement.
Selene sat at the head table, posture elegant, composed. Only the slight tightening of her hands in her lap betrayed anything beneath the surface.
Kael occupied the seat beside her. Spine ramrod straight. A faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth. His eyes held the certainty of a wolf who already knew he'd won.
"First," I began, my voice carrying through the enchanted acoustics to every corner of the hall, "I want to thank each of you for your dedication to the pack this past year."
Thunderous applause and approving howls.
I worked through the list, calling names one by one.
Each recipient bounded up to the platform, beaming, accepting their tribute pouch with effusive thanks. The amounts varied—modest silver shares here, substantial hunting rights there—but every face wore the same delighted expression.
Kael watched the proceedings with hooded eyes.
When a mid-rank patrol leader collected his generous tribute allotment, I caught the subtle curl at the corner of Kael's lips. Contempt, barely concealed.