"That's a twisted interpretation of events," Emmett said.
Hector pulled out more papers. "I have testimony from three lions who were attacked in their own camp. Who were interrogated and threatened by Dante Deleuve while acting on Maeve Cross's behalf. If the Council allows this kind of vigilante action, what's to stop other business owners from bringing in their own enforcement? From ignoring Council authority entirely?"
Varric's expression went carefully blank. "The Council did authorize Dante's investigation. Quietly, to avoid alerting suspects."
"Without full Council vote?" Bram spoke for the first time, his voice carrying cold disapproval. "Without proper procedure? That's exactly the kind of progressive overreach that endangers our community structure."
"It was necessary to maintain discretion," Varric said.
"It was a violation of protocol." Bram moved to the table, studying Hector's documents. "And it appears to have been done at Maeve Cross's request. To protect her personal interests rather than community welfare."
"That's not—" Maeve started.
"Furthermore." Hector cut her off smoothly. "I have evidence that Maeve Cross has been operating the Silver Fang in violationof multiple safety codes. Serving after legal hours. Allowing underage humans into an establishment that serves alcohol. Failing to maintain proper health standards."
"Those are lies," Maeve said, but her voice came out weak. Defensive.
"Not according to these." Hector produced more papers. Health inspection reports. Licensing documents. All bearing official seals. All showing violations she knew she hadn't committed. "The evidence suggests otherwise. And combined with her correspondence with outside packs, her harboring of unauthorized investigators, and her general disregard for Council authority, I believe the Silver Fang represents a threat to Hollow Oak's stability."
"This is manipulation," Callum said, stepping forward. "He's using forged documents and twisted facts to build a false case."
"I'm using legitimate evidence to raise legitimate concerns." Hector's pale eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Concerns about whether Maeve Cross has the temperament, judgment, and respect for authority necessary to operate a business bearing the Cross family name."
"The Council already reviewed your sabotage claims," Miriam said sharply. "Found them baseless. What's changed?"
"What's changed is the revelation that Maeve herself has been undermining Council authority." Hector gestured to the documents spread across the stone table. "Operating independently. Bringing in outside enforcement. Communicating with rival territories. These aren't the actions of someone who respects Hollow Oak's governance structure."
Varric studied the documents, his expression troubled. Emmett's wolf was evident in his eyes, seeing the trap but unable to spring it. Bram nodded slowly, his cold gaze settling on Maeve with disapproval.
And Maeve felt the ground crumbling beneath her feet.
"This is all fabricated," she said, desperation creeping into her voice. "He's twisting everything. The investigation was legitimate. The documents are forged. I've done nothing wrong."
"Then you won't mind a full audit." Hector's smile turned vicious. "A complete review of your operations, your communications, your business practices. To ensure everything is above board. To ensure you haven't been using Cross family legacy for personal gain while undermining the very Council meant to protect this community."
"I—" Maeve's throat closed. An audit would take weeks. Would shut down her business while they investigated claims she couldn't disprove because they were manufactured lies dressed up as evidence.
"I move that Maeve Cross's tavern license be suspended pending investigation," Bram said. "Until we can determine whether she's fit to operate a business under Council jurisdiction."
"Seconded," Hector said immediately.
"This is insane," Emmett protested. "We have evidence of his conspiracy. Evidence we were bringing to this meeting."
"Evidence gathered through unauthorized means." Bram's voice carried finality. "Evidence that may itself be compromised. I won't allow Council decisions to be based on investigations conducted outside proper channels."
Varric's jaw worked. "Emmett makes a valid point. We should review all evidence before making precipitous decisions."
"And I'm making a valid point about Council authority." Bram moved to stand beside Hector, the two of them presenting a united front. "About proper procedure. About ensuring business owners respect the governance structure that keeps this community safe."
Miriam looked between them, conflict written across her face. "This feels rushed."
"It's necessary." Bram's pale eyes held hers. "Unless you want every business owner in Hollow Oak thinking they can ignore Council authority whenever it's inconvenient."
The silence that followed felt like death.
Maeve watched her life crumble in real time. Watched Varric's reluctance war with political reality. Watched Bram and Hector manipulate Council procedure to destroy everything she'd built.
Watched Dante's expression crack with fury and helplessness.
