POV: Araya
The clearing erupts in tension after Araya's declaration. Jasper kneels in the snow, devastated but accepting. Ronan stands beside Araya, radiating barely controlled fury.
And the assembled wolves watch, uncertain which Alpha to support.
"You can stay in my territory," Araya continues, addressing Jasper. "But under strict conditions. You will have no contact with Lucian. You will serve the pack in whatever capacity I assign. And you will never, ever claim any authority here."
"I accept," Jasper says immediately.
"I don't," Ronan snarls. He rounds on Araya, his golden eyes blazing. "You can't be serious. After everything he did to you. Everything he put you through. You're just going to let him stay?"
"It's my decision," Araya says firmly.
"It affects all of us," Ronan cou
