The Silverfang wolves gathered in the hollow, eyes burning with distrust. Ryn stood at the center, his voice sharp as steel.
"Our Alpha has been tainted," he growled. "He meets with the vampire in secret, breaking every oath we've ever sworn."
The pack muttered, tails lashing, teeth bared. Loyalty wavered in the air.
Kael rose, tall and unyielding, his gaze sweeping over his wolves. "I am your Alpha. I have led you through famine, through blood, through war. If you doubt me now, then challenge me."
Ryn bared his fangs. "Gladly."
The fight was brutal. Claws slashed, teeth snapped, blood stained the ground. But Kael fought with the fury of an Alpha who had everything to lose. He pinned Ryn to the earth, fangs at his throat.
"Speak against me again," Kael snarled, "and I will not spare you."
The pack lowered their heads, silenced—for now. But suspicion lingered like a poison in their eyes.