The Last Pack Standing

. She moved with fluidity and precision, her muscles burning with the effort of keeping up with the pack's elite warri

, as always, the eyes on her felt more critical than encouraging. Selene

began dispersing, Selene lingered, catching her breath. She bent ov

len

ed to see Lydia approaching, her posture st

nce of rank. Her dark hair, streaked with gray, was pulled into a severe braid, a

arrass me?" Lydia snap

, confused. "W

w attention to yourself during training. Again.

. "I wasn't trying to dr

interrupted. "How many times do I have to tell y

oing to pretend to be less than I

e luxury of pride, Selene. Not after what your father did. The moment you ste

ze, her own eyes hard

eavy with something that sounded like regret.

ieter, though no less sharp. As Selene prepared a small meal for the

you," Lydia said suddenly, h

hand hovering above the cutti

d on the flames. "I know I'm hard on you. B

"I know you think you're protecting me," she said carefully. "

. For a moment, the mask of sternness slip

ydia said quietly, "you w

I'm not trying to defy you, Lydia. I

o," Lydia said, her tone hardening

sound of raised voices outside. She lay still for a

he moonlit clearing, she saw Lydia and Damon standing near the edge of the w

ia was saying, her voice sharp and insistent.

s tone cold and unyielding. "You think outsiders will resp

Lydia argued. "Real stren

ink I don't know what strength looks like? I've kept this pack together through threa

ight of their words pressing down on her. Ou

stance. "You're so focused on the past that you're blind to t

mon said sharply. "And I certa

ay, her movements stiff with anger. Damon remained where he was, star

n't fully understand what she'd just witnessed, but one th

ndation cracks that could either grow or be mended. And though sh

over her. The pack's future was uncertain, its stability fragile. And

t wha