Lyra realized the pack had already decided when no one moved to stand beside her.She stood alone at the edge of the training grounds, the morning mist curling around her boots. Wolves filled the space in loose clusters, talking quietly, laughing too freely for a formal gathering. When Kael called for silence, they obeyed him instantly.When Lyra lifted her hand, they barely noticed.She lowered it slowly, pulse thudding behind her ribs.“Begin,” Kael said from behind her, voice flat.Lyra swallowed and stepped forward. “Silver Fang has endured unrest,” she said, projecting as she had been taught. “But unity is not built by fear. It’s built on trust.”A murmur rippled through the crowd. No agreement. Appraisal.She pressed on. “As future Luna, I promise balance. I promise”A wolf near the front shifted impatiently. Another turned away entirely.Lyra felt heat creep up her neck.“I promise fairness,” she finished.Silence followed.It stretched too long.Finally, an elder cleared his t
Ler mais