Ruby’s POV
The throne room was suffocating. Not because of its size, gods knew the place could fit an entire pack, but because of the silence pressing down on us like a noose tightening with every breath.
Everyone was waiting for me to speak.
Elena stood by the war table, arms crossed, eyes scanning the maps and reports laid out like a puzzle of dread. Across from her, Commander Vane was pacing like a caged wolf, his boots echoing with each stride.
And then there was Manson.
Seated at the head of the table, his throne, his fingers steepled beneath his chin, those golden eyes locked on me, waiting.
Waiting for me to decide if we were going to war.
"I don’t want bloodshed," I finally said, my voice quiet but unwavering. "But if Levi forces our hand, we will defend this kingdom. I won’
