REJECTED BY THE ALPHA KING

ange, or it will b

contained a promise cloaked in persuade. The towering stone walls of the council

nto my flesh. From the shadows, I watched her-a storm cloaked i

ions," she added, her grin piercing enough to draw blood. "But ShadowTech is not only innovation. It's survival.

nd changing runes. The room hummed with murmurs. Council members exchanged

sit right-hadn't from the day she arrived. Two moons ago, she was a nobody,

, his stare sharper than any sword. Seated on his throne, he eyed me with the weig

de into the light. The council's eyes focused

efenses to-whatever this is-we need to ask more questions." I motioned toward

the click of her heels reverberating throughout the room. "ShadowTech is more than cables, Beta Ethan.

arms. "Funny. Wolves have been waging battles for ages without upgr

spleasure. "Instincts didn't rescue the Eastern Pack. Or the Sil

oom. Whispers got louder, nods of a

adapts quicker than we can manage it? What's to s

reat leadership-leaders who understand the balance between advancement and pr

tation to call her out. She was playing a de

relenting. "We'll continue this debate tomorrow. Calista, arrange a pro

y head. "Y

grin weak but triumphant.

he rustling of leaves in a storm. I lingered, my eyes rivete

a Et

step away, her head inclined in pretended wonder. "You don't generally sh

xiety she created in me. "I don't fear develop

down my spine. "Careful, Beta.

can, too," I

idian. "In time, you'll understand. Whether you suppor

e room, her robes tr

and lines that shimmered with an ethereal radiance. Th

han

us behind me. His presence was a steadying influ

too," I answ

projection. "ShadowTech isn't natura

nder doesn

cks. His eagerness to defend his people blinds him." Marcus's voic

we need proof-something

"Be careful, Ethan. Calista is more than a strate

banned treasures and old manuscripts were held. The ai

a secret, it

er until they rested on something cool and soft. A black obje

o my flesh. Pain rushed through my hand, and I dropped the gadget with a

nd me made m

Calista stood in the doorway, her

one dripping with derision.

nd. A surge of black energy blasted

ayed in your plac

and the shadows surrounding h