(At the tumultuous sea… )
Autumn finally turned, very slowly.
The motion was subtle…just a shift of weight, a calm pivot of her shoulders…but the storm seemed to notice.
The wind did not stop.The rain did not vanish.
But they listened.
Thunder rolled farther away, no longer cracking directly overhead, as if even the sky had decided to give her space.
Like even nature knew she needed it.
Autumn stepped forward once, boots sinking into wet earth. She did not place herself as Kieran's mate or Thorgar's daughter. She did not stand with Dax. She did not face only one side.
She turned so that everyone could see her.
Both packs.
Every blade, every clenched fist, every snarling jaw held half a breath from violence.
She didn't raise her voice.
She didn't bare her teeth.
She simply spoke.
"Neither pack survives Calareth divided."
Her words fell softly, carried by the rain…yet they landed like iron.
