The Cost of Fidelity

“Lawrence, come forward and speak your mind, ” boomed Alpha Clement as I stepped into the indirect chamber, where the pack elders had gathered in grim silence. The ancient gravestone walls, lined with fluttering firebugs, did little to ease the cold dread in my casket. I could feel the weight of centuries of tradition pressing upon me, and tonight, that burden was heavier than ever.

I took a steadying breath and addressed the assembly in my most measured tone, “ ...