While everyone was still caught up in their happiness and excitement about Neve's pregnancy, Soren himself tried to calm everyone down.
The crowd was getting too loud, too chaotic—praising Cael, cheering for Neve, and completely ignoring their chief.
Soren raised his hand and his voice cut through the noise like a blade.
"Everyone, quiet," he commanded. "The announcement is not finished."
The square hushed, but the atmosphere didn't return to deference. It hovered on restless energy.
Near the edge of the crowd, hushed murmurs rippled between the beastmen.
"Look how gentle Cael is with him..."
"Cael brought back the biggest hunt this season, and now his mate is carrying cubs. He acts more like a true leader every day."
"Honestly? Cael should be chief. Soren is too stiff, too slow to act..."
Soren's fingers twitched at his side. He heard every word. The resentment burned cold in his throat, but he kept his face carved from stone.
