Chapter 129

The pack had gathered in the courtyard under the rising sun as I outlined the defensive strategies we’d need in the days ahead. My words carried purpose, but the wolves’ eyes betrayed their fear and uncertainty. As much as I worked to unite them, cracks were forming beneath the surface. I didn’t see Gilly at first. She emerged from the shadows near the edge of the circle with her face pale and her eyes wild. “Enough!” she shouted with her voice trembling but loud enough to stop me mid-sentence. All eyes turned to her, and my stomach sank. What the hell was she about to say I feared. “Gilly,” I said cautiously, stepping toward her. “What’s wrong?” She pointed a shaking finger at me as her face contorted with anger and pain. “You,” she spat with her voice breaking. “It’s always you, Serena. You’re the reason we’re suffering. The reason this pack is falling apart.” Murmurs erupted through the crowd, and I could feel their unease growing. “Gilly, that’s not true,” I said firmly, trying to