To say Levi's wolf wasn't wounded in its pride would be a lie. The moment Greg managed to one-up them, the wolf's confidence was the first thing that took the blow. But even then, it forced itself to push that humiliation aside and stand tall, because Greg hadn't beaten them with strength or honor. He played dirty, refused to face them head-on.
So doubting their own strength was unfair… yet the damage had already been done. Its pride was hurt, and once that shadow of doubt settled in, it clung stubbornly, a lingering whisper that refused to be shaken off.
"Levi… talk to me, will you?" Addison's voice drifted through the door again. It was soft, gentle, and laced not with impatience, but with hurt and sadness. That tone alone felt like it reached straight into Levi's chest. Both he and his wolf felt their hearts twist, shattering under the weight of her sadness.
Levi couldn't hold out any longer.
