Esme stepped onto the dais beside Finnian, her gaze meeting the concern in his blue eyes. She offered a reassuring pat on his shoulder, and after a moment, his tense shoulders relaxed.
"Everything will be okay." She whispered gently, and he nodded with a small smile, his trust in her unwavering.
With a deep breath, Esme turned to face the assembly.
Every Alpha's gaze was fixed on her form, their auras pressing down upon her like a physical weight. But she stood firm, her determination to keep Finnian safe taking over, and her sweaty palms clenched into fist at her side.
She can do this! She will do it!
"Esmeray," King Lennox's voice broke the silent atmosphere, his expression momentarily softening before he regained his composure. "You claimed to have compelling reasons for sparing Finnian, despite the risk of him transmitting the curse to the people of Illyria. I ask you now; what are those reasons?"
