As Alpha Kade stepped onto the podium, silence swept over the meeting ground like a tidal wave. The pack, their eyes fixed on him, knew this was no ordinary gathering. Princess Arianna stood beside him, her calm poise hiding the nerves beneath her gaze. Betas lined the front, their eyes ever vigilant, with Jeffrey among them, his mind clouded by the risky note he had sent to Selena. Doubt gnawed at him—was he truly willing to go this far? Was Selena worth risking everything for? But the thought of losing her, possibly his second chance mate, left him haunted. He couldn't just let her go through punishment. He had to do something about it.
The pack fell silent as Kade raised a hand, placing it over his chest in acknowledgment. This familiar gesture, customarily returned with bowed heads, radiated gratitude and authority. When he finally spoke, his voice carried a calm strength.
