"Welcome to leadership," Tristan said with a slight smile. "It's all crisis management and impossible decisions."

"You could at least pretend to be sympathetic," I muttered.

"I am sympathetic," he said, pulling me close. "I'm also confident. You can do this, Delilah. You're stronger than you realize. Those wolves need someone who understands what it's like to suffer under Jason's rule. Someone who can offer them genuine care instead of manipulation."

"What if they hate me?" I asked quietly. ...