DARIUS'S POV
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The packhouse was still heavy with grief from Roderickās funeral, but I felt alive, my coronation days away. I moved through the halls, my wolf humming with the thrill of power almost mine. Lilaās locked room upstairs called to me, her defiance a challenge Iād soon crush.
I paused near the elderās chamber, voices low but sharp inside. Malik, the oldest elder, was speaking, his tone harsh and clear. āDarius shouldnāt be alpha,ā he said, and my blood ran cold.
My wolf growled, rage sparking at his words. I pressed closer to the door, hidden in shadow. Malikās voice carried, calling me unfit, a threat to Silvermoon.
Another voice, Marcus, joined in, steady and grim. āHeās dangerous, too reckless,ā Marcus said, agreeing with Malik. My fists clenched, their betrayal fuelin
