CHAPTER 7 – The Alpha’s Choice

(Delph’s POV)

By the time I reached my study, the torches have burned low.

The storm has passed outside, but the air in this room still smells like thunder.

Corin waits by the window, his shoulders tense.

“I heard what happened in the Council chamber,” he says quietly. “They overstepped.”

“They tested me,” I correct, pouring water into a glass and watching it tremble in my hand. “They wanted to see if I’d choose them or her.”

“And?”

I look up. “I chose my pack.”

It’s not a lie. It’s just not the full truth.

He studies me for a long moment. “You realize protecting her makes you look weak in their eyes.”

“Then let them look,” I snapped. “The moment I bend to their will, I’m nothing but their puppet.”

Corin exhales, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “The elders won’t stop. They’re already calling for another vote to limit your authority. Serena’s whispering poison in their ears.”

Of course she is.

Serena thrives on chaos; it’s the only time she feels powerful.

“Let her whisper,” I say. “She forgets I know the tone she uses before she strikes.”

Corin shifts uneasily. “And Afnan? What’s your plan for her?”

My throat tightens around her name. I take a slow sip of water before answering. “She stays here. Under guard.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Guard or protection?”

I don’t answer.

The difference is too hard to explain, even to myself.

After Corin leaves, I stand at the window for a long time. The moon is high, silver and sharp. Somewhere in the east wing, two small heartbeats are sleeping, steady and fragile.

Draven stirs inside me. They’re ours. You can’t hide from it.

“I’m not hiding.”

Then claim them.

I press a hand against the glass, the chill biting through my palm. “Claiming them means losing everything.”

Then lose everything.

For a heartbeat, the wolf’s voice sounds almost human. I close my eyes.

I remember the night I rejected Afnan. The way her eyes shattered when I said the words. I told myself it was necessary  the Council demanded an alliance with another line, the prophecy hung over the pack like a curse. One sacrifice for peace. That’s what I called it.

But when peace came, it felt like silence. Empty, brittle, endless silence.

Now she’s back, and I can’t decide if it’s a second chance or a punishment.

A quiet knock pulls me from my thoughts.

One of the maids enters, head bowed. “Alpha, the Lady Afnan sent for warm milk for the pups. She asked that it not be touched by anyone but the kitchen wolves.”

I nod, then stop her before she leaves. “Is she awake?”

“Yes, Alpha. Reading by the fire.”

Of course she is. She never could sleep when her mind was full.

“Leave it,” I say. “I’ll bring it myself.”

The maid blinks. “Alpha?”

I don’t repeat myself. She sets the tray down and hurries out.

The corridor is quiet as I make my way to the east wing.

Every step feels heavier than it should.

When I reach her door, I pause.

Through the small gap, I can see her  hair loose, firelight painting gold across her skin. The twins are curled beside her, one hand resting on each. She’s humming softly, the same lullaby she used to sing when the pack was asleep.