The Forgotten Pulse of the Bond

Rhett’s voice finally broke the silence. "The Elder Alpha moves pieces we haven’t seen before. This rebellion growing inside our own walls, it isn’t natural dissent. It’s provoked."

Beckett nodded. "Whispers are spreading. The weaker packs believe aligning with him gives them protection if Camille turns fully."

Marcus snorted. "Maybe they’re not wrong."

The words hung heavy.

Rhett’s jaw tightened. "You have doubts, Marcus?"

The lieutenant held his gaze. "I have loyalty. But I also have eyes, Alpha. We all saw what happened last night. She levitated. Burned the air. She could have taken this entire house down if you hadn’t stopped her."

"She didn’t," Rhett replied coldly. "She’s fighting it."

"Fighting it now. But for how long?" Ivar added, voice low. "What happens when she stops?"

Celeste’s voice cut across the table like silk over a blade. "You speak as if she wants this. As if she’s not terrified."

Marcus sat back, his thick arms crossed. "Terror isn’t enough when the beast inside her doesn’t care."

Rhett’s voice deepened. "You forget who carries that blood. You forget who built this pack on her back."