Damon POV
The silver fire still clung to the air when Rayna straightened, her crown catching the moonlight like it had been forged from the Goddess’s own hand. Every wolf in the clearing stared at her, some bowing, some trembling, but none daring to look away.
Her voice carried through the night, steady even as exhaustion shadowed her face.
“You’ve given your vow. Now I ask one more thing of you.” She paused, letting the silence stretch until the weight of it pressed into every spine. “Stay. A few days. We need to shape this kingdom before we scatter back to our packs. A council must be made, laws written, ground set so what we built tonight doesn’t shatter tomorrow.”
The Alphas shifted, glances flashing between them. Some stiffened at the thought of delay. Others looked relieved, as t
