Chapter 24: Moon's Daughter
(Aspen’s POV)
The hall vibrated with an electric tension. It coursed sharply through the gathering, filling the space with restless energy. The weight of it pressed against me as I lingered in the shadows, watching. Waiting.
From my hidden vantage point, I could see Marcus—my father—standing at the center of the grand ceremonial circle. He commanded the attention of every wolf present with nothing more than his stance and the force of his voice.
"Tonight," his voice rang out, steady and full of authority, "we gather not just as a pack, but as a family. Bonds and unity shall guide us forward."
The words were careful. Intentional. They were woven with strength and conviction, but there was more beneath them—a game being played, a challenge issued without
