Chapter 32: A Peaceful Release

I stood beside Alpha Erich as Luca organized the Hamstead prisoners on the lawn in front of the barracks. Once everyone was outside and quiet, Erich made the formal announcement.

“Your Magistrate, Josuan Bokstein, has refused to negotiate for your peaceful release in exchange for leaving our people and other shifter packs alone. While I’m sure this is as disappointing to you as it was to us, I can no longer see a need to hold you here as prisoners.”

I could hear as the survivors collectively drew in a worried breath.

“We are going to release you back into the human world.”

There was a collective sigh of relief that followed his announcement but no happiness or cheers. Erich looked at me, and I nodded.

Thanking over the speech, I turned back to the villagers,who I knew recognized me as Marius’ docile wife. I hadn’t been privy to whatever rumors were going around the barracks about me and my station by the Alpha’s side, but that didn’t really matter to me.