Ryder’s POV

The forest was quiet now. Too quiet. Rain had stopped. Mud drying. Wolves are moving carefully. Shadows stretched with the light of dawn.

The alpha stood tall. Half-shifted body relaxed. Gold eyes are calm. Fur slicked down, wet from rain and blood. Poison fully countered.

I followed behind him. Bond pulsing softly, steady now. Not sharp, not urgent. Safe. For the first time in days.

The pack gathered around. Some kneeling. Some standing. Watching. Silent. Waiting for instructions.

He looked at them. Voice firm. Clear. “Loyalists to the beta are no longer part of this pack. They will leave or face consequences.”

A few growled low. Angry. Resistant....