17: THE PACT

AYLA – POV

The sun rose slow and red the morning the pact was to be made.

I stood alone at the edge of the stone terrace, watching it bleed over the eastern peaks. The wind was heavy with ash and cedar, and the new Council hall below me breathed like a creature in slumber.

Behind me, wolves stirred. Not just those who had followed. Not just those who had bled.

But those who had once condemned me.

Forgiveness wasn't the point.

Change was.

Kael found me before the first call.

He didn't speak right away. He watched the horizon too. Arms folded, lips tight. We both knew what this day would mean.

Not for us. For the realm.

"You're quiet," I said.

He nodded. "I'm thinking of how many wolves will try to break what you built."

"Then let them try," I whispered. "Let them see what it takes to unmake a Luna who rose from ash."

He turned to face me.