The Shadowed Queen's Claim
“Elara, ensure the festival preparations are flawless. I’ll… attend to our guest.”
Elara lowered her eyes in perfect submission, the mask sliding into place effortlessly. “Of course, my Alpha. Whatever you need.”
As the night wore on, Elara moved through the hall like a ghost, greeting elders, overseeing servants, and subtly reinforcing her alliances with key warriors who had once turned on her. She laughed at the right moments, danced when expected, all while her mind raced with plans. Contact her father’s pack in the north. Gather evidence of Lila’s hidden poisons. And most importantly, keep Kael distracted and pliant.