“When?” I ask.
“Tomorrow at dawn. The full council convenes then.” Her sincerity seems genuine. “I pledge my position and my life on this guarantee.”
Her willingness to stake her life strikes me as significant—a bold gesture aligned more with my clan’s values than Haven’s Heart’s typical caution.
“I must consult with the elders first,” I tell her.
“Of course.” She begins gathering the documents. “Would you like me to present these to them as well?”
I nod, then whistle for Lora and Kel. “Escort the ambassador to our camp. Tell Elder Riva to assemble the council.”
While they lead Ember away, I linger in the clearing, sorting through this unexpected development. The fire panther continues to defy my expectations.
I shift back to wolf form and take an alternate route to camp. When I arrive, Ember sits with the elders, ancient maps spread across their laps.
The elders quiet as I approach. Elder Riva glances up from a treaty she’s examining, surprise evident on her weathered face.
“Alpha,” she says. “The ambassador has brought extraordinary evidence.”
“I’ve reviewed it. She suggests I join Haven’s Heart’s council meeting tomorrow to personally present our territorial claim.”
Whispers pass among the council members. Marcus scowls darkly.
“A trap,” he declares. “They’ll detain you to force our submission.”
“They wouldn’t risk it,” Elder Thorn counters. “The diplomatic consequences would be disastrous. Other wild clans would immediately unite against them.”
“The fire panther has pledged her life as a guarantee of my safety,” I add.
Elder Riva’s attention sharpens. “A traditional blood oath guarantee?”
“Not explicitly stated as such, but the intent appeared clear.”
Elder Mira observes Ember with renewed interest. “The ambassador shows unusual familiarity with wild clan traditions. These documents demonstrate exceptional commitment to truth over political advantage.”
Ember meets the elders’ scrutiny with dignified composure. “My mission is to find a solution honoring both our peoples’ needs. That becomes impossible without acknowledging historical facts.”
“Fine words,” Marcus cuts in. “But Haven’s Heart has conveniently ignored historical facts for centuries.”
“Yes,” Ember agrees, surprising him. “We have. That’s precisely why these documents matter—they compel us to face our selective memory of history.”
Her admission of her people’s failures leaves Marcus momentarily without response.
Elder Riva breaks the silence. “You should attend, Alpha. Such an opportunity may never arise again.”
“With safeguards,” Elder Thorn suggests. “A protective detail should wait outside their walls.”
I nod once. “Marcus will command four warriors to accompany me to their boundary.”
My beta straightens, visibly pleased to be included despite his misgivings.
“Tomorrow at dawn,” I confirm, looking toward Ember.
She inclines her head. “I’ll await your arrival at the eastern boundary stone to escort you.”
The council disbands. Marcus lingers, clearly wanting private words. Ember notices and begins carefully collecting her documents.
“I should prepare the council for tomorrow,” she says. “With your permission, Alpha Blackthorn?”
