The heavy scent of fresh blood and burning magic still hung thickly over the pack square, but the atmosphere had shifted entirely. It was no longer about a tyrant's execution; it was the dawn of a terrifying new order. As my words echoed against the stone pillars of the fortress, the thousands of assembled wolves stood paralyzed under the weight of my sovereign Luna aura.
Standing near the back of the western delegation, Alpha Kael looked like a ghost of his former self. The proud, unyielding Alpha who had once held his chin high was now hollowed out, his classic scent of mountain mint completely suffocated by the bitter, stagnant stench of cheap tavern wine and rotting regret.
"Alpha Kael!" I thundered again, my eyes locking onto his trembling frame. "Step forward!"
