The council’s decision spread through Moonshadow territory like wildfire. By nightfall, every corridor of the pack house buzzed with whispers, and the courtyard echoed with heated debates that no Alpha command could silence.

Some wolves bowed deeply when Bella passed, their eyes shining with loyalty. Others averted their gaze, muttering words like cursed, unnatural, and unworthy under their breath.

The pack was no longer one voice—it was breaking into factions.

Bella felt it in every ...