The silence did not break after the voice.
It lingered.
Heavy.
Unnatural.
No one moved toward the doors.
No one spoke.
Because for the first time since the gathering began—
Every Alpha in the room was unsure.
Lucien stepped forward.
Not because he wanted to.
Because someone had to.
“We stay.”
His voice carried across the hall, steady despite the tension tightening beneath his skin.
Several heads turned toward him.
Some surprised.
Some relieved.
Some waiting to see if anyone would challenge him.
“No one leaves tonight,” Lucien continued. “Not until we understand what just happened.”
A pause.
Measured.
Controlled.
“That wasn’t a warning meant for the outside.”
That line lands 🔥
Magnus watched him closely.
Then—
He nodded once.
Approval.
Support.
Authority backing
