"I want to join because I believe you can win," Lydia corrects.
"Against Ironwood. Against Crimson Moon. Against whoever else tries to tear this kingdom apart. And I'd rather be on the winning side."
It's honest, at least.
Brutally so.
"And the offer I made before?" I ask.
"A seat on the ruling council?"
"Still on the table?"
"If you prove yourself trustworthy."
"Then I accept. Shadowpeak pledges to the Lupine Kingdom. To you and King Kael, until death or release."
She goes to one knee, and behind her, her fifty warriors do the same.
I feel something shift. Not just politically, but emotionally. This isn't surrender. This is a genuine alliance.
"Rise," I say.
"And welcome to the kingdom, Alpha Lydia. We have a lot of work ahead of us."
That night, after dealing with the lo
