Heather's POV
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I had rebuilt the pack from ash.
Walls that once echoed with screams now resonated with laughter. Grounds once soaked in blood now thrummed with the rhythm of warrior drills and children's footsteps. But power was never meant to be held alone.
Even a kingdom built on resilience needed allies.
I stood at the center of the strategy hall, fingers trailing over the edges of a map that stretched across the table. Names of other packs were etched into the parchment-ones who had not knelt to Marcus' reign. Packs who had suffered under his shadow. Packs like mine, rising from ruin.
"They've responded," Elora said, stepping in with three sealed envelopes. Her eyes were sharp with quiet excitement. "Three Alphas have accepted your call."
"Good," I murmured, breaking the wa
