Chapter 267

Chapter 267
Iris's POV

I slowly pulled away from my mother's embrace, wiping the tears that had streaked down my face. A strange calm washed over me - something I hadn't felt in years. The emptiness that had haunted me since childhood finally had an answer, that vacant space in my heart finally filled. The road ahead was still fraught with challenges, but with my mother beside me, they suddenly seemed less daunting.

"We need to go back and deal with the remaining issues," I said, glancing toward the door, my mind returning to the crisis at hand. "Erik and his followers, rebuilding the pack... these problems won't disappear on their own." My voice had regained its steadiness and determination, surprising even myself with this transformation.

Mother nodded, a look of approval and pride crossing her features. "You're right. The past cannot be changed, but the future is in our hands." She straightened her clothes with a grace and determination that reminded me of the young woman in the photographs. Now I understood where that resilience and elegance came from.

I took a deep breath, considering the challenges ahead. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to face all this. I never imagined leading a pack. Until recently, I was still struggling to understand my own identity." It was a genuine concern, one I needed to voice to my mother.

She smiled gently. "No one is born ready for their calling, Iris. What matters is how you respond when opportunity and responsibility arrive." She took out the Luna token and placed it next to the Alpha token on my wrist. "These two tokens together are not just symbols of power, but of responsibility and purpose. We don't have to bear this burden alone, but we cannot ignore it either."

I understood what she meant and nodded deeply. Looking at the two tokens together, I felt a strange connection and sense of duty. This wasn't just about us; it was about the future of the entire North European pack. I stood up, feeling a new resolve wash over me. "You're right. Let's face this together."

When we entered the council chamber, the previously noisy discussions immediately fell silent. The room was filled with elders and key members of the North European pack, their eyes fixed on us with expectation and respect. I noticed Sebastien and K standing at one side of the room, vigilantly watching everything.

Elder Magnhild was the first to step forward. "Thank you for joining this emergency meeting," she said, her voice both solemn and gentle. "We need to decide how to handle Erik's rebellion and rebuild our leadership structure."

I looked around, seeing the seriousness on everyone's face. This was a crucial moment that would shape the pack's direction for decades to come. I took a deep breath, ready to listen and express my position clearly.

Elder Olaf, the elderly male who had bravely faced Erik in the plaza, addressed the key issue directly: "We must first decide Erik's fate. According to tradition, rebellion and assault against token bearers can be punished by death or permanent exile." His words triggered a wave of low murmurs.

I felt the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. Though Erik's actions had been dangerous and hostile, I didn't want my first decision in the North European pack to be executing or permanently banishing a member, even an enemy.

"I believe Erik should be given a chance," I said calmly, my voice steadier than I'd anticipated. "His actions deserve punishment, but excessive severity will only deepen divisions within the pack." I noticed several elders raising their eyebrows in surprise, clearly not expecting me to speak for an enemy.

Mother gave me an approving glance before adding, "Iris makes a valid point. History teaches us that extreme punishments often lead to greater problems. I suggest stripping Erik of his Beta position and placing him under supervision for a specific period."

Elder Magnhild nodded thoughtfully. "This proposal balances justice with mercy. Erik has committed serious wrongs, but he has also contributed to the North European pack. Demoting him to regular member status under supervision might be an appropriate middle ground."

As the discussion about Erik's punishment reached a tentative consensus, the meeting shifted to the more critical issue of pack leadership.

An elderly female elder I didn't recognize stood up and addressed me directly. "Northern Star, you hold the Alpha token. According to tradition, you have the right to assume leadership of the North European pack. What are your intentions?" The room's atmosphere immediately tensed as everyone awaited my answer.

I felt the pressure but was clear about my position. I didn't immediately respond, looking toward my mother for some form of support or advice. She gave a slight nod, her eyes telling me this was a moment I needed to face myself.

"I don't believe I'm the right person to lead the North European pack," I finally said frankly. "I have limited knowledge of your traditions and culture, and not enough experience to manage an ancient and great pack. The token may have fallen into my hands by fate's design, but I believe it represents responsibility rather than power."

My candor triggered whispers, but I continued. "I propose creating a transitional committee of experienced elders and trusted members to jointly manage pack affairs until a truly suitable successor is found."

"What about the Luna token?" Elder Olaf asked, turning to my mother. "Lily, you hold the Luna token. Are you willing to temporarily assume this role?"

Mother shook her head. "My role is similar to Northern Star's—guardian, not leader. The token came to me for protection until the right time. I agree with Northern Star's suggestion; a transitional committee is wise."

Elder Magnhild contemplated briefly before offering a compromise: "Perhaps we can arrange it this way: establish a transitional committee for daily management, with Northern Star and Lily, as token holders, having final decision-making and veto power. This both respects the tokens' traditional symbolic meaning and doesn't place the entire burden on you."

This proposal gained support from most elders. After considering it, I nodded in agreement. "This arrangement sounds reasonable. I accept this responsibility, but I hope the committee includes members of different ages and perspectives, especially young people who support change." I remembered the young wolves who had risked standing with me in the plaza; their voices deserved to be heard too.

"Regarding the committee's composition," I continued, feeling my confidence growing, "I suggest including three types of members: experienced elders representing traditional wisdom, middle-aged members providing practical management experience, and the younger generation representing innovation and adaptability. Only with this balance can we help the North European pack maintain traditions while adapting to the modern world."