The planning for the Annual Pack Gathering had been exhausting, but with Lady Lyssandra's help, things had started falling into place. At first, Ember had been relieved. The older woman had experience planning these events, and Ember and Nathaniel had been grateful for her insights. The daunting logistics of housing, feeding, and managing over four hundred wolves had seemed insurmountable, but with Lyssandra's assistance, the burden had eased.
That was until she started overstepping.
It had begun subtly—small, seemingly insignificant suggestions that Ember had allowed to slide. A comment here, an adjustment there. Then, those suggestions became decisions made without her approval. Seating arrangements changed. Invitations were altered. Even the placement of high-ranking guests was adjusted, all without Ember's knowledge.
