Lucien pov

The sun was already dropping behind the trees when I walked into the main hall. The torches along the walls burned bright, and the place was filled with voices. Hundreds of pack members had gathered. Some looked excited. Some looked nervous. Some looked angry. I felt all of it pressing against my skin, but I kept my back straight.

Matteo stood at my side and whispered, “It’s a full house. You ready for this?”

“No,” I said truthfully. “But it doesn’t matter. It has to ...