Odessa stood frozen, a tremor running through her. Her eyes flickered desperately toward Beta Peregrine, silently pleading for his help.
Beta Peregrine moved swiftly, pulling her into his strong embrace, his protective instincts surging through him like a wolf preparing to defend its pack. He guided her to the side, his presence commanding, and then his gaze turned to the neighbor who was preparing to leave.
“Everyone, hold up!” Beta Peregrine's voice was like a low growl, rich with power and authority, the tone sending a ripple through the crowd. “You all saw what happened to Aunt Odessa, how she was wronged right here in front of you. And now, when she seeks justice, not one of you will step forward to help?!”
He paused, his eyes scanning the crowd, locking onto them with an intensity
