The moment Alpha Rydan turned his back on the hall, I felt the fracture split clean through the centre of our world.
He did not storm out.
He did not rage.
This was not the plan, but I could manage with this outcome.
He simply looked at Clay one last time, something like disappointment shadowing his stern features, then signalled to the Alphas who had risen in support of him.
“Until Silvercrest resolves its internal instability,” he said evenly, “The North withdraws its military cooperation.”
It was not a shout. It was a sentence. A verdict.
Then he walked.
Alpha Kael and Brenn followed. The North Ridge delegation followed. Even quiet old Darrow of Pine Hollow rose with visible reluctance and joined them. Boots struck stone in a steady rhythm as they exited the circular hall, thei
