The Alpha ceremony began at dusk.
It had been planned for weeks, revised twice, argued over endlessly by elders who feared change more than they feared stagnation. Yet when the moment finally came, the pack gathered in a silence so complete it felt reverent rather than tense.
Torches ringed the stone circle. Old runes etched into the ground glowed faintly as moonrise approached. Wolves stood shoulder to shoulder, their scents layered with anticipation, grief, loyalty, and unease.
Caleb stood at the center.
He wore no crown.
No mantle.
Only the mark of his lineage painted across his chest in ash and silver, the way Alphas had stood before titles meant anything at all.
Seren stood at his right.
Public. Visible. Steady.
Lila stood at the edge of the circle.
Not hidden.
But not besi
