Chapter 268

Chapter 268
Iris's POV

With the committee established, there was still one matter to address—formally declaring Erik's status and punishment. According to North European pack tradition, this needed to be announced personally by the token holders.

Mother and I, accompanied by two guards, went to the detention area. Located beneath the main buildings, it consisted of solid stone walls, the air heavy with dampness and coolness. We arrived at Erik's cell, where he sat on a simple bed, looking up at us with eyes full of hatred and resentment.

"Have you come to announce my death sentence?" he asked with a cold smile, his voice dripping with obvious sarcasm.

I answered calmly, "Not death, Erik. The council of elders and we have unanimously decided your crimes will be punished by revoking your Beta position and a one-year supervision period."

Erik clearly hadn't expected this outcome. His expression shifted from mockery to surprise, then quickly back to wariness. "Why? Is this some kind of trap?"

"Not a trap," Mother replied, "but an opportunity. The North European pack needs unity, not division; understanding, not hatred." Her voice was firm and calm, without a hint of hesitation or uncertainty.

I added, "From today forward, your status will be officially designated as 'Offender on Probation.' This means you must prove your worth and loyalty through actual deeds to regain the respect and trust of your pack members."

Erik remained silent for a long while, seeming to digest this information. Finally, he looked up, staring directly into my eyes. "Why not kill me? It would be safer, wouldn't it?"

Looking into his eyes, I answered, "Because that's exactly what you would do, and I choose a different path. The future of the North European pack requires inclusion, not exclusion; collaboration, not dictatorship. You have the opportunity to be part of this new era, or to be forever left behind by it. The choice is yours."

As we left, I felt Erik's gaze following me. He didn't speak again, but I knew our conversation had planted a seed in his mind. Whether it would take root and grow, only time would tell.

---

Returning to the central plaza, despite the late hour, almost all pack members had gathered, waiting for the announcement of major decisions. As Mother and I walked onto the symbolic platform where elders usually stood, the entire plaza fell silent.

Mother spoke first, her voice clear across the plaza: "Members of the North European pack, tonight we've faced many changes and challenges. But every challenge is an opportunity, every crisis can birth something new."

I continued by explaining the council's decisions: Erik's punishment, the formation of the transitional committee, and our roles as token holders. I particularly emphasized the committee's diverse composition and our commitment to inclusion and change.

"The strength of the North European pack lies not only in its ancient traditions but also in its ability to adapt and grow," my voice was more resolute than ever before. "We honor the past while embracing the future. Only this way can the North European pack continue to flourish in the modern world."

When I finished speaking, the plaza erupted in applause and cheers. I saw the elders nodding with satisfaction, young people excitedly talking among themselves, and even those who had previously supported Erik looking thoughtful. In that moment, I felt a strange satisfaction—though I had never sought leadership, facilitating positive change still brought me deep gratification.

Mother leaned close to me amid the noise, saying softly, "You did well tonight, better than I imagined. You displayed not just wisdom, but the most important quality of a leader—compassion and inclusiveness." Her eyes were full of pride, and that recognition warmed my heart.

The celebration continued for some time, with people taking turns coming forward to express support and well-wishes. I noticed many young wolves looking at me with hope and excitement in their eyes, strengthening my resolve to promote positive change.

As night deepened, the celebrations gradually quieted. People began leaving the plaza in small groups, returning to their quarters. I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me; the day's experiences had been too intense and emotional, requiring time to process.

Just as I was about to excuse myself, Sebastien quietly approached. "Care for a walk?" he asked softly, with a hint of barely perceptible nervousness in his voice.

I glanced at my mother, who smiled and nodded. "Go ahead. I need to catch up with some old friends. We'll continue our discussion tomorrow." She gently patted my shoulder, giving me an encouraging look.

I followed Sebastien away from the noisy central area, along a winding path toward the edge of the North European pack territory. The night sky was filled with stars, moonlight spilling like silver onto the forest path, the whole world quiet and beautiful.