f each pair of eyes fixed on her. This ball, designed to celebrate unity, seemed more to be a terrain of judgment than a moment of rejoicing. The smile on her lips was calculate

, Elise knew that she was

he foot of the scene, an encouraging look. But even her

iticism floated around it. Each smile, each speech exchanged seemed a test that she could not ignore

ack, the oldest, those who thought that a leader had to have more than determination. Some, like Mathis, had already expressed their doubt. But

t the pack? Burmuted one of them, a fallen alpha, a man w

She did not respond immediately. The subtle but powerful humiliation could have h

ated during her confrontation with Mathis. But the situation was different here. The arena was no l

She asked calmly, each wor

. Then one of them, a younger wo

e. Where we come from, from whom we are. You don't

was heavier. She could have ignored them, continue to play her role, but that would only

he faced. He understood that it was not a question of physical challenge this

ise, her firmly posed voice, despite the inner storm. I am the one

phere was lighter. The murmurs continued, and more and more looks

so far, advanced. He had the features of a wolf that had experienced mor

This is not a victory that makes you a leader. The pack w

ysical violence. Elise could feel each sentence slipped under her skin, sinking deep into her flesh. She knew

oppressive. Romain turned to her,

individuals. You have proven what you

ision in the pack would not be settled in a simple gesture, a simpl

f accepting your role. She had to impose this role. The pack had to follow her, not for fear

voice, her finally clear decision. If you need to see me prove m

ce fell on the assembly, and then the looks began to turn away. But

. It was just the start. But tonight, she had s

us. Elise could feel the heat of the room increase, as if the words they launched were all flames towards her. She had her right look, her fists tight under the table, her c

illusion. An alpha is distinguished by its power. The brute

d in a net of hostility. Her fists were stretched, ready to strike, but the mastery she had imposed herself held her. She knew

eyes sparkled with a quiet determination, but his posture, the assurance with which he stood, while breathed in him. He said nothing, but he inter

tone. You don't understand real strength, Mathis. The real force is in the ability to remain straigh

crossing her. Romain, the foreigner, the guest. He didn't have to get involved. But what he had just

he advanced, ready to replicate. But even before he opens

bigger. It is not the brute force that guides a pack, but the ability to understand and unite. Elise

although pronounced by another, seemed like one more weight lifting from his shoulders. She was not alone. A simple gesture, a simpl

there, in this confrontation, she understood something deeper. He was not just a support. He was an ally in a broader sens

llowed by a few others. But in the air floated new tension. Romain had made a challenge, but it was

r it. The looks were different now. Not immediate or obviously, but a seed had been planted. Those who had once doubted migh

es of some, there was a question. An emerging reflection. They saw what she was ready to face, which she w

t she had not anticipated. He had not only defended his position; He ha

doubts were gradually frightened, like the ice that breaks under the heat. She was much mo

a companion, an ally in the fight against what had become an oppressive tradition. She was not alone in this fight. A