The Conclave was still on edge, the fires low, the scent of blood and smoke clinging to the stones. Rael’s dominance hung heavy in the air after his victory, but Marcus wasn’t done.
The rival Alpha stepped forward, his smirk sharp enough to cut. “You see it, don’t you?” His voice carried over the restless pack.
“Your so-called queen isn’t one of us. She’s trembling on her knees, and even now she doubts you. Look at her.”
Dozens of eyes turned on Vera. Her stomach twisted. She wanted to bare her teeth, to deny it—but Marcus’s words cut deep, too close to the truth. She froze, just for a heartbeat. A flicker of hesitation in her gaze.
That was all it took.
The crowd caught it. A ripple of growls rolled through the circle. Wolves bared their teeth, some snarling, others sneering.
She
