The silence in the Great Hall became heavy and suffocating, a familiar pressure that Nila knew all too well. Hundreds of pack members watched from the lower tables, their breaths hitched as Former Luna Evelyn stood at the base of the dais. Her gaze remained pinned on Nila like a hawk tracking a rabbit in the snow.

Kaelen stood up.

When he stepped out from behind the high table, he placed his large body directly between Nila and his mother, completely severing the line of Evelyn’s icy stare.

"The main hall is for celebration, Mother," Kaelen said, his voice dropping into a low, rumbling tone that carried his Alpha status....