Chapter 64:
Celia broke her silence, her voice calm but pointed.
“Words are important, Elara, but they’re not always enough. If you want the pack to believe in Dante’s loyalty, he needs to prove it through action.”
“He’s already proved it,” I snapped, but Celia didn’t flinch.
“Then make it undeniable,” she replied.
“Give him a task, something public, something visible. Let the pack see that he’s here to support you, not to challenge you.”
I considered her suggestion, the gears in my mind turning. She was right. A declaration of loyalty might satisfy some wolves, but a visible act of support would go further. It would send a message, not just to the pack but to Silas and anyone else watching.
“There’s a scouting mission planned for tomorrow,” I said, my gaze flicking to Dante.
“We’ve had reports of movement near the southern border. Take a team and investigate. Show the pack that you’re here for them.” Dante nodded, his expression resolute.
“Done.”
Osric studied him for a long moment before finally speaking.
“If you succeed, it’ll go a long way toward easing their doubts. But if you fail…”
“I won’t fail,” Dante said, his voice firm. There was no arrogance in his tone, only certainty.
The meeting ended shortly after, the council dispersing with quiet murmurs of agreement. Dante lingered as the others left, his dark eyes watching me carefully.
“You didn’t have to do that,” he said softly once we were alone.
“Yes, I did,” I replied, meeting his gaze.
“If we’re going to face Silas, this pack needs to be united. And right now, that means proving your loyalty.”
He tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.
“You think I’ll let you down?”
“No,” I said, the word coming out more forcefully than I intended.
“But they do. And that’s what matters.”
Dante nodded, his lips curving into the faintest hint of a smile.
“Then I guess I’ll just have to prove them wrong.”
As he turned to leave, I let out a slow breath, the weight of the meeting pressing down on me. The doubts weren’t gone, not yet. But this was a step forward, a chance to show the pack that we were stronger together.
And when the time came to face Silas, there would be no room for shadows. Only strength.
POV: Elara
The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth as I left the compound that evening, my heart still racing from the trials. The pack had begun to retreat to their homes, murmuring to one another in low voices, casting glances in my direction as they went. Some of the wolves had offered quiet words of congratulations; others had remained silent, their expressions unreadable. But even in the quiet, the energy in the air felt charged, as though the trials had awakened something within all of us.
I needed a moment away from their watchful eyes, a moment to breathe and let the weight of the day settle. So I slipped into the forest, following a familiar path that led to a small clearing overlooking the valley. It was one of my favorite places, a hidden refuge where the world felt still, even if only for a short time.
The last traces of sunlight cast a warm glow over the trees, and a chill settled in as dusk fell. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, allowing the quiet to seep into me. But as soon as I opened my eyes, I felt a presence—a feeling so familiar, so distinct, that I knew exactly who it was without turning around.
“Dante,” I said softly.
He stepped into the clearing, his movements fluid and silent. He didn’t say anything at first, only watched me, his expression thoughtful. For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence stretching between us, filled with unspoken words, unresolved questions.
