The official statement came the next morning.
Asher delivered it himself in the main clearing after breakfast, with most of the pack gathered. I stood slightly behind and to the side of him, deliberately visible but not touching. The fractured bond made even that much proximity feel charged.
His voice carried easily.
“Luna Hayes has returned to Silver Moon territory. She is here under my protection. She will be treated with respect. Any wolf who decides otherwise will answer directly to me. That is all.”
No long explanation. No mention of the prophecy, the rejection, or Selene. Just a clear boundary drawn in front of everyone.
The reactions were mixed. Some faces showed curiosity. Others showed open resentment. A few of the older wolves looked at me with something closer to unease, as
