Chapter 80: Lines in the Sand

Mariana’s POV

The council chamber was in chaos, voices overlapping as fear and uncertainty took hold. But I wasn’t afraid—not of them.

I took a slow step forward, my voice cutting through the noise. “You need to make a choice. Right now.”

Celeste lifted her chin. “We already have.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Then say it plainly. Are you standing with your Alpha, or are you surrendering this pack to Lucian Voss?”

A heavy silence fell.

Some of the elders exchanged glances, hesitation thick in the air. Edgar let out a slow breath. “We are not surrendering. But we are considering our options.”

“Your options?” I repeated, my voice laced with disbelief. “While our warriors are fighting, while wolves are dying—you’re standing here debating options?”

“This isn’t just about strength, Mariana,” Celeste said coolly. “This is about survival.”

I took another step forward, letting my voice drop to something colder, sharper. “If you think Alexander is going to let Lucian walk in and take the throne without a fight, you don’t know him at all. And if you betray him—if you betray this pack—there won’t be anywhere for you to run when this is over.”

Edgar’s eyes darkened, but he didn’t argue.

Good. Let them be afraid.

Before they could speak again, a warrior burst through the doors, his face streaked with blood and sweat.

“The eastern wall is holding,” he said breathlessly. “But barely. Lucian’s forces are pressing harder. Alexander’s ordered reinforcements.” His gaze flickered to me. “He says to hold the pack together. No matter what.”

I straightened, forcing the weight of responsibility to settle over my shoulders.

“Understood,” I said.

The warrior nodded and rushed out.

I turned back to the council, my expression unreadable. “This conversation is over. You want to debate survival? Fine. But you do it after we’ve secured the pack.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and walked out.

I could feel their stares burning into my back.

Let them watch. Let them doubt.

But they’d learn soon enough—one way or another—where true power lay.