Chapter 25 – The Pact

The hall smelled of fire and steel.

Lyra stood beside Kael on the high dais, heart steady, hands at her sides. Not clenched. Not trembling. For the first time since the trials, she wasn't here as a survivor.

She was here as a leader.

The council chamber had never been more full. Alphas from every branch of the court. Elders in their worn ceremonial silks. Warriors in black leathers and crimson insignias. Even Thorne, still bandaged from last week's skirmish, stood tall at Kael's right.

Kael's hand hovered near Lyra's, not touching—because she had asked him not to. This was a declaration, not a possession.

She needed them to see that.

"We called you here," Kael said, voice echoing like a blade drawn from its sheath, "not to seek your approval. But to inform you."

A rustle of murmurs passed through the crowd. One of the elders stood, white-bearded and red-eyed. "Inform us of what, my Alpha?"

Kael stepped back.