The morning of the Beta’s punishment arrived under gray skies.
The entire pack gathered in the central square. Whispers spread through the crowd as guards brought out the whipping post.
I stood near the front beside my father with Lyra on his other side.
My hands clenched tightly at my sides. I would not let this happen.
The Beta was led forward. His shirt had been removed. Fresh bruises marked his torso from last night. Yet he walked with his head high. His eyes found mine across the distance and he gave the smallest nod. He wanted me to stay calm.
Father stepped forward to address the pack.
“Today we punish a traitor. The Beta has been caught aiding dangerous lies and undermining the sacrifice. Let his pain remind us all of our duty.”
The crowd murmured. Some looked uneasy. Th
