CIAN
The hall erupted into noise.
People were shouting. Protesting and demanding to know what was happening.
I raised my voice above all of it.
"Put your hand to your chest and swear your loyalty to Skollrend and me. Now!"
The command rang out clear and absolute.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then, slowly, people began to obey.
Hands came up and pressed against chests. Some people looked terrified. Others looked defiant. A few looked resigned.
Moira raised both of her hands.
The air around her shifted, barely noticeable at first. A strange stillness settled in, like the room had drawn in a breath and forgotten to let it go.
"Repeat after me," she said. "I swear my loyalty to Alpha Cian Donlon and to the pack of Skollrend. I swear to serve with honor and truth. I swear this on my life and on the goddess who watches over us all."
The words echoed through the hall.
Then people started repeating them.
Slowly at first. Then louder.
