The evening sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow through the large windows of the pack's council room. The meeting had finally wrapped up, and the Alphas were beginning to filter out, some lingering to talk strategy, others exchanging stories and laughter.
Opal stood by her father's side, her shoulders squared, her face calm, her posture composed. She was exhausted, her mind racing with everything she'd heard. Witches... disappearing wolves... alliances... potential enemies... It was all so overwhelming. But she kept her face neutral, her chin held high. Alpha Opal... stay strong.
Alpha Griffin placed a hand on her shoulder, his silver eyes warm. "You did well today, Opal. You listened... you observed... you didn't let them intimidate you."
Opal's chest tightened, her heart pounding. "I was... terrified."
