THE FINAL CHOICE The tent was crowded, but it felt silent. Seven Alphas sat around the long oak table, their eyes fixed on me. Outside, the camp was still buzzing with the energy of the victory, but in here, the air was thick with expectation.

I looked down at my hands. They were clean now, but I could still feel the phantom weight of the sword.

"Demetrius," Alpha Silas began, leaning forward. He was the oldest among them, a man who didn't give out respect easily. "The world has changed. The ...