The silence in the Great Hall was no longer born of tension, but of profound reverence. As Kael guided Elara across the frozen sand, the high-ranking Betas and warriors lining the arena walls instinctively lowered their heads. It was a gesture of deep, primal respect. They were no longer looking at an accused criminal; they were looking at the physical embodiment of the Moon Goddess’s grace.
Alpha Torin’s decree echoed in the vast chamber, sealing Victor’s humiliating defeat. The Storm-Claw Alpha stood frozen on the balcony, his knuckles white as he gripped the stone railing. The murmurs of the other Alphas—once filled with fearful agreement to his lies—had shifted into harsh, judgmental whispers directed entirely at him.
"We are leaving," Kael announced, his voice carrying the lethal
