Sabrina's POV
The cold air nipped at my skin as I stood by the large window of my quarters, watching the moonlight bathe the forest in its silver glow. The council meeting had gone better than I expected, though I could still feel the weight of the elders' stares boring into my back. Their defiance wasn't surprising. What surprised me was the sense of betrayal I felt—not from their opposition, but from their lack of vision.
They thought me weak. That I'd abandoned my post, left the pack vulnerable. Fools. They couldn't see the bigger picture, the intricate web of alliances and strategies I'd been weaving to protect what was ours.
Victor's unwavering support had been a balm tonight, but I couldn't let myself lean on him too much. Strength wasn't just about power; it was about perception. And right now, every move I made was under scrutiny.
