Peter left the council chamber that day with his chest puffed out, clutching the sealed letter like a crown jewel. As he strode through the estate halls, several officials who had long despised him scowled at his arrogance, but Peter mistook their silence for envy.
“Did you see?” he muttered loudly to the three warriors who usually lingered near him. “Theo himself has entrusted me with the pack’s most important report. When I stand before Alpha Damian with this seal, do you think he won’t recognize my worth?”
One of the warriors smirked and replied, “Of course, Lord Peter. You are destined for greater heights.”
“Greater heights indeed,” Peter boasted, adjusting his cloak. “Perhaps Damian will see that Theo’s reign as acting alpha is no longer necessary. Who knows? In time, the title of
