en T

ers, dense and unsaid. The sensation that I was being watched persisted. Perhaps Aiden's residual doub

picions. They had to trust me, or at the very least, sto

nticipate

as moving across the courtyard,

me some space!" a l

around a young omega who was no older than a kid. They

"You're nothing but a runt." Why don't you just

er, and I was moving forw

I let out a bark. The bullies turned to me and froz

't put up with cowards making fun of children," and positioned myself between them and the omeg

e," in a stead

nce. "Are you even aware of who you are speaking

d, "Then do it." "But you'd better move quickl

ld sense that others were watching us from th

at the end. "Anyway

d into the distance as

nd holding his arm as I

right?" Gentl

ith appreciation and dread

little. "Come with me, okay? The

in and racing away, I got up a

at the courtyard's edge, his

sitive tone, he quest

looking him in the eye.

d. It's uncommon to have such bravery. P

sing to my cheeks from his stare, so I

her, he gave me an incomprehensi

Naturally, I hadn't been invited, but I still found

tone. Patrols along the eastern border need to be increased. There ha

and senior wolves in t

y is to increase patrols, but we also need to take into account the resou

Alpha, resources are not as vital as projecting strength. Anyone who b

es and allow an attack to occur elsewhere?"

p but smile. Being challenged, particularly in fr

Everyone looked at me, and I smiled calmly in response to Lyra's stare.

Rogue, you don'

re that strategy consistently outperforms raw forc

ncil members as they exchanged amusing looks. Lyra's

in line,"

just wanted to share my viewpoint. I've seen what happens when packs

, Aiden's lips quirked as

was no genuine rebuke in his voice

ered, "Of course, Alpha."

ession on Lyra's face be

ng. I kept thinking about the day's events, but I

shirt sleeve, sa

which glistened in the moonlight coming in through the window

ced the symbol with m

ppeared to buzz with electricity. It felt powerful as if my

uminated by the moonlight. The mark brightene

journey is far from over." There is power i

rstand?" My question was har

a rush of power and clarity. This was not random, whatever it

otfall outside my door. As the door handle twisted,