MADELINE’S POV

The room grew eerily quiet. All eyes snapped to Louisiana, her voice cutting through with an unexpected force.

“Why don’t we let her finish?” she snapped, her words very sharp like a whip. “The general pack meeting is about addressing grievances. I, too, have something to air.”

I noticed the pack elders exchange quick, uneasy glances, as their expressions tense. They hadn’t expected this. Their faces were filled with a mixture of concern and annoyance. Alpha Novare, usually calm and collected, seemed confused, his eyes locked on Louisiana. I could see the questions running through his mind, but he was waiting.

Louisiana, however, didn’t falter. She stood tall...