FINAL STAND

Eleanor stood on the border of the dueling grounds, her breath creating a mist in the chilly morning air. The sun had just started to rise, sending a soft glow over the group of pack members gathered to watch the traditional battle. The faint echoes of her daughter's cries could be heard from the den as Lucas tried his best to comfort her.

She could not afford to dwell on that at the moment. Torin, the renegade alpha, had thrown down the gauntlet, and Eleanor understood that her ability to lead—and the harmony of Greywolf—hung in the balance based on her answer. She inhaled deeply, calming herself. The weight of motherhood and holding a leadership position was a heavy load for her, yet she always excelled when facing challenges.