The room is quiet.
Waiting.
I take a breath, going silent.
At first, nothing.
Silence.
Then Luna Elizabeth speaks.
"Wow." Her voice is warm, approving. "Honest. And the true sign you are the right person for this job."
I blink at her.
She leans forward, closer to the screen, her gaze steady.
"To admit you are overwhelmed and seek the advice of your immediate circle—who have hundreds of years of experience—is a sign you are a natural-born leader." She glances at River and Cade. "And respect to your mates for giving you space to figure this out instead of trying to solve it for you."
River's jaw tightens, but he nods.
Cade's hand lands on my shoulder.
Luna Elizabeth straightens.
"Having said that, I now defer to the oldest alpha in the room with a strong, proven track record o
