“Under markedly different circumstances, this would be a happy occasion,” Jag continues, momentarily lowering his head as though the whole ordeal has taken a toll on him. “But unfortunately, that is not this day. Instead of the bright, capable boy who was meant to lead this Family, the man who has returned to me is a traitor.” His expression is somber. “Not only was he captured after making an attempt on my life, but he passed his twisted ways on to his daughter, who admits without remorse to recruiting fellow Strategia to move against me. She killed our very own Harry.” There are uncomfortable whispers in the crowd and people lean over each other to get a look at me.

“Unfortunately, there is no hope for my son and his daughter,” Jag says as though this is a difficult decision for him. “They have been thoroughly corrupted…”—he pauses, making sure he has everyone’s attention—“by the Bear Family.”

My eyes widen, and I’m not the only one who’s shocked. The room hums with tension.

Jag sweeps his eyes across the crowd. “Our sources show that these two have been working with the Bears for many years now in an attempt to destroy this Family. They have gone against everything we Strategia stand for, undermining our value system and threatening our way of life with their flippant disregard for our rules.”

I glance nervously at the crowd. I remember Ash telling me that leaving Strategia was forbidden, that it was punishable by death. And from the nodding among the onlookers, it’s obvious they think we’re guilty of that and much, much more.

Jag clasps his hands behind his back. “It’s a sad day when a father has to pass sentence on his own son and granddaughter. I can see that you agree I would be remiss not to. But the burden that is weighing heavily on me this day is not restricted to these treacherous Family members. It extends to the Bears who supported them—the head family that hides in London as we speak and the apothecary who provided these traitors with poison intended to kill me, to name just a few transgressions.” Jag’s knowing gaze falls on me for the briefest of seconds, a look of victory in his eyes; my stomach does a fast unnerving flip. “I fear the time has come for me to right this wrong. The Bears have been taking liberties for years now, and if the Council of Families won’t move to correct their offenses, it leaves me no choice but to take action myself.”