Council convened after the midday meal. The hall filled with gammas, their faces still carrying the glow of the recent win. I sat at the head table with the children close. Lila sat on my lap, her small hand tracing the edge of the table. Thorne and Elara played with soft leather strips in the cradle beside me.
Garrick opened the meeting with patrol reports. The eastern ridges remained quiet. The outer farms were rebuilding. The pack listened, their eyes on me as I ruled on each matter with quick, clear decisions. No one challenged the new laws today. The victory had shifted something in the room. The older gammas who once whispered against me now nodded when I spoke.
After council I walked the corridors with the kings. The keep felt alive with purpose. Wolves nodded as we passed, their eyes sharp, their steps purposeful.
