Ryder POV
The fortress burns for three hours before collapsing completely.
I stand with Jolie in my arms, watching flames reduce centuries of corrupt power to ash and rubble. Around us, hundreds of wolves from different packs witness the same thing.
The end of an era.
"Ryder." Knox limps over, his leg still healing from the suppressant round. "We've got a situation."
"What kind of situation?" I don't take my eyes off the burning building.
"The kind where fifty alphas are arguing about who's in charge now that the Council's gone." He jerks his thumb toward the gathering crowd. "They want answers. Structure. Leadership."
"They want someone to tell them what to do." Jolie speaks up, her voice tired. "Because the Council trained them to follow orders instead of think for themselves."
"
