His attention shifted briefly toward Devon before returning to Liora.
"Some people chose to leave."
"They crossed into neighboring kingdoms after the conquest."
"I didn't stop them."
He picked up his cup before continuing.
"The ones who wished to remain were allowed to stay."
"They've returned to their homes."
"They've returned to their work."
His expression remained composed.
"I have no interest in ruling through slaughter."
He placed the cup back upon the table.
"As long as they accept the new kingdom and live peacefully..."
"They're free to continue their lives."
His eyes met hers once again.
"I want wolves and humans to learn to live together."
"Not because one side defeated the other."
"But because endless hatred has already taken enough from both."
The dining hall became quiet again.
Liora sat motionless, staring at the man before her.
The Alpha she had once feared.
The man who had once punished her for a crime she had never committed.
