Mark by Destiny.
He struggled, but the chains bound him firmly.
Alpha Dean’s voice softened, not in mercy, but in sorrow.
“May the goddess judge your spirit fairly, and may your blood cleanse the dishonor you brought upon this pack.”
The executioners raised their swords. For a heartbeat, the world stood still — the wind held its breath, the birds ceased their song.
Then came the swift strike.
The sound echoed once — sharp, final, and absolute.
Silence followed.
Alpha Dean bowed his head briefly. “Let this stand as a lesson,” he said. “No strength exists without loyalty. No pack survives without trust.”