"This is about the pack not about you."
Speaking to Luca and me in the council room, the older man's voice was piercing and relentless. His sharp eyes swept between us, clearly disapproving.
"You survived a few challenges, so you believe you have proved yourselves? Elder Marlon went on with his sharp tone. "Survival is just one aspect of leadership. It's about consistency, selflessness, and winning the respect of those you oversee.
With his grey eyes ablaze with anger, Luca continued, "We have done everything you have asked." "What more are you hoping for?'''
Marlon said, looking at me, "To see if your bond can hold under pressure.
The pack is still divided, and unless you prove that you're worthy of their trust, this bond will tear us apart."
The weight of the pack elders' judgement pressing down on us made the room's tension intolerable. I tightened my hands; my brand burned weakly beneath my sleeve.
