CHAPTER 349 QUESTIONED AUTHORITY

Hudson’s hands gripped the armrest of his chair, his fingers digging into the wood as Claire’s words rang out across the room. Her voice was sharp and unyielding as it resounded in the space, challenging not only him but the entire foundation of his authority in front of his council. The council in question sat stiffly around the table, frozen, their eyes darting between their Alpha and his Luna, each of them trying to make sense of what was happening. He could feel their confusion, surprise, and, worst of all, judgment from the way she defied him. ‘His life is mine to take.’ Her words echoed in his mind. For a fleeting moment, he saw the Claire he had known—or at least thought he knew. And he dared say those words weren’t for Magnus but for him. He saw her gaze—cold, calculating, and insistent on getting her way, and that didn’t sit well with him, selective amnesia or not. “Claire,” Hudson said, his voice low and measured, though his insides were churning with anger “This isn’t