THE VOTE FOR RULING ALPHA
The ancient doors of Shadow Ridge's meeting hall swing open before us at the Convocation of the Claw. My heart pounds against my ribs as I step in beside Lucian, as Luna of Darkfang and Leader of the Darkguard. Every gaze in the room turns toward us, but I don’t cower under their stares. I lift my head high and walk hand-in-hand with Lucian to our seats.
Kael sits at the head of the long table, carved from a single massive tree trunk. Beside him, Sabrina practically glows with pregnancy, her hand resting possessively on her stomach. The sight sends a jolt through me—she carries his child, while I carry the true heir. The irony would be laughable if it weren't so painful.
"Lucian." Kael's greeting drips with false warmth as he addresses Lucian. "How kind of you to finally join us."
"The Alpha of Crescent Moon was delayed in presenting his respects to my Luna." Lucian's hand finds my lower back, a subtle show of possession that makes Kael's jaw tighten. "She is, after all, newly ascended."
Sabrina's laugh tinkles like broken glass. "Newly ascended indeed. Though some might say hasty appointments lead to... unstable foundations."
"Better an honest foundation than a hollow throne," I reply, unable to keep the blade from my voice. The other Alphas shift uncomfortably in their seats.
"We gather here for unity, not division," the Alpha of Mountain Vale clears his throat. "The vote must proceed."