"You should speak now," Aria growled, her tone sharp as a fang. "I trust each of you knows the weight of silence in a pack… especially after what you've witnessed."
The elders, once proud and posturing, now sat like scolded pups, heads bowed low. The fire in her aura still lingered, and none dared meet her eyes.
"There is nothing more to say, Luna," one of the elders murmured. The others gave soft growls of assent, tails tucked in submission.
Aria gave a short nod. Beside her, Liana lowered her head in respect before stepping back.
"They know," Caden muttered, stepping beside Aria and taking her hand. "You've made your point. Let's not waste your strength on wolves who've already rolled belly-up."
He tugged gently, giving her no room to argue, and though Aria's eyes still glinted with the desire to lash her dominance one more time, she allowed herself to be led away.
