The sight of blood changed the atmosphere inside the council hall. A thin line of red had spread across Ryker’s side where Halric’s claws had torn through fabric and skin. The wound was not immediately fatal, but the impact had been deep enough to draw a collective breath from the wolves surrounding the circle.
Mira felt the sound ripple through the room like a shockwave. Her eyes locked on the dark stain spreading across Ryker’s shirt; he remained standing straight, but the injury was real. The scent of blood had already begun to drift through the hall, and wolves reacted instinctively to it.
Halric stood several feet away from him, breathing hard but looking satisfied.
“You see now,” the elder said calmly. “Strength alone does not decide leadership.”
Ryker ignored the comment.
He pr
