Aaron
Leadership doesn’t end when a crisis does.
If anything, that’s when the real work begins.
The council chamber is empty when I return, the echo of yesterday still faint in the stone. Not voices, but decisions. The residue of authority applied cleanly, without hesitation, without mercy disguised as kindness.
Bethany was escorted beyond my territory under Goddess law and pack authority.
Clean.
Contained.
Necessary.
And heavier than any fight I’ve ever won.
I remain standing for a long moment after the doors close, hands braced against the back of the chair. That should feel like command and instead feels like consequence. Victory has never sat easily with me. This one least of all.
Carl is already at the window, tablet in hand, posture loose but alert. The look of someone w
