empty seats like silent witnesses. The echo of Raina's rejection still rings in my ears-sharp and unforgivi

vier now, a reminder that power without purpose is empty. I choke back a bitter laugh. I could have claimed m

. I still taste my own cowardice in the silvered air. I shouldn't hav

he pines above, and a memory fla

-

r the ancient symbols-crescent moons and intertwined wolves. She laughs, breath warm against my skin

ck offense. "I'm an A

s bright. "Even an Alph

a moment, I'd believed that our bond-

-

lice struck the ground. There was power in that moment of betrayal-fury so pure it cut thro

w, and each step toward the trees feels like wading through doubt. I inhale, steadying

t bleeds into forest shadow. A figure steps from

s, voice low. "Thought

low, then force the question:

; more than I expected. But others call it capitulation." He spit

angs would do little good against the cut of those w

ind us. "Raina's symposium was a hit. Pack m

t them talk. Better they s

"You said you wanted her ba

where she vanished. "Not a

en. "She won't ret

en I must bring her b

-

ed chin, the flash of silver in the moonlight, the tightening of her jaw. I remember how my hand s

mission without question, at the blind pride that nearly co

have access to the campus network. We can monitor her mo

must choose to return. But I need leverage." I glance back at the amphith

ances-social ties, academic collaborators. Everyone she'

es closing. "Tha

"Your vision will

es resolve: I will rebuild what I tore down. I will prove t

-

loit every fracture. He's already mobilizing his faction, whispering promises of a stronger pack under h

ng that shows the pack my leadership is indispensable. Perhaps a joint patrol of the Wolfhold Territory, a display of

threshold, an old oak overhead, its branches heavy with new leaves. Moonligh

grounding energy. "Guide me," I murm

I pick it up-silver-veined, delicate. Symbols o

begin to mend what I broke. I will craft an offer she cannot refuse. And I will prove

academy, ready to face a day that will define my reign-and