Cassidy
The meeting ended with a formal bow, the room rising in unison as Kieran dismissed the council. Whispers echoed through the chamber as wolves filed out—many sneaking glances my way. But they weren't mocking, questioning stares like I'd grown used to.
This time, they held something else.
Recognition.
Maybe even respect.
We stood in silence after the room had mostly emptied. Kieran reached for my hand and held it firmly, like he needed the tether as much as I did.
Elara was the last to approach. Her expression, as always, was composed, but there was something else flickering behind her silver eyes. Pride, maybe. Or concern.
She looked to Kieran first. "You handled it well," she said calmly. "Better than I would have at your age."
Kieran inclined his head but didn't speak.
Then Elara turned to me.
