Chapter 50: The Question

After the life left Sebastian’s eyes, the alpha let go and allowed him to drop to the ground in a lifeless pile. Hikaru wiped the blade clean with their shirt, then offered it back to the alpha who returned it to the sheath. The alpha squatted to dig a key out of the dead wolf’s pocket and went about freeing my mate from their chains.

Hikaru was breathing deeply, still looking to be in a tremendous amount of pain in addition to whatever emotional toll taking a life had caused. After the chains were off, they quietly thanked the alpha and rotated their injured wrists.

The alpha turned his gaze around the circle and said, “Welcome our new beta, Hikaru. May their kindness and resolve strengthen the pack for years to come.” Some of the council members clapped, others howled. Hikaru did their best to stand tall, but they looked like they were about to collapse from exhaustion.