: E

set of eyes trained on me, I could almost believe I'd stumbled into someone

ers clustered near the back. It had been simmering for weeks, ever since my father's death, spreading like a quiet infection.

was too young, too inexperienced, too compassionate to lead. Most of all, they co

aced this same burden, I realized something. It didn't matter whether I thought I was read

falter. Not t

served more than hesitation and doubt. They deserved an Alpha who would fight for them, who would protect them, who would lead them

ugh every beat of my heart felt like a drum

as I could. I saw wolves I had grown up with, wolves who had taught me, fought beside me, and watched me grow into t

you have questions. I know some of you doubt whether I am ready to lead. I can't deny that things have changed,

tly, their eyes narrowing in thought rather than skepticism. Others exchanged murmured words,

he trust we build, and the loyalty we give to one another. My father taught me that, and I will honor hi

ives. Osric stepped forward, his expression as unread

ech is stirring, but the pack needs more than words. What are your p

ook a breath, steadying myself before answering. "The patrol schedules are being expanded, Os

Silas?" Osric pressed, his tone sharper now. "Or are we

the patrols with pairs of senior wolves to guide the younger ones. The

l, "expecting loyalty without proof of your own readiness

gaze shifted, and I caught a flicker of doubt in the faces

have every intention of earning it. That's why I'll be leading the next patrol myself

es. Osric narrowed his eyes, studying me for a moment befor

the weight of what lay ahead. My feet carried me to the edge of the compound, where the dense forest stretch

ar as much as respect. He had led with unwavering strength, but also with distance, his b

o the wind. "I will

unify, at any cost. He had believed that unity came from strength alone, from domination and

g about

ened by the flickering torchlight. His protective nature was evident in the way he kept a resp

was a strong leader. But

t a tree. "Marcus knew how to keep the

ting his gaze. "Dante's banishment-do you think that united

, he said, "You're not Marcus, Elara. That much is clear. Bu

closely, Osric. Because I'll show you-and the pack-that unity doesn't co