Karl sat at the head of the table, his sharp features set in a mask full of authority and dominance. The pack elders sat on either side of the long table. The council chamber was cold and tense, despite the warmth of the fire. They looked at one another, their gazes shifted, suspicious and calculating.

One of them finally spoke, voice low and steady, careful with words.

“Alpha Karl, whispers are growing louder. The pack members are asking too many questions. They wonder if your rise to power, I mean the throne was… natural.”

Karl's jaw tightened, his fist clenched, but he forced himself to lean back casually in his...