The pack hall was alive with low murmurs, tension rippling through the gathered wolves like a subtle current. Katherine’s presence lingered, even from outside the main room, her influence brushing the minds of the unmated members most strongly.
A group of younger wolves, unbonded and impressionable, leaned closer to her words, caught by the melodic cadence and the subtle siren pull threading through her voice. “She’s… right, isn’t she?” one whispered to another. “An alpha’s Luna should be strong. Maybe she is the better choice.”
Their hesitation made the others’ fur bristle. Older wolves, bonded and experienced, exchanged sharp glances, tails twitching in silent disapproval. They sensed the manipulations beneath the surface, the half-truths wrapped in charm, and it made them distrust her
