★Nuel's Pov★
The single word cracked through the hall like thunder. It wasn't shouted, yet it carried with it the weight of storms and steel. The sound alone made the torches flicker, the air itself tremble.
Alpha Noca had risen from his throne. Until now, he had sat in brooding silence, watching the chaos unravel with that unreadable expression that made it impossible to know if he was pleased or furious. But when he stood, it was as though the very stone beneath our feet bent in submission.
Every elder froze. Their voices, which only moments ago had filled the chamber like clashing waves, withered into silence. Even Lady Ariadne, who had spoken with such authority, inclined her head ever so slightly in deference.
His gaze swept across the room, piercing through each of them, until they finally and inevitably found me.
