“Then say it,” he pressed.
There was a small pause.
Then—
“There are rituals,” Janet said slowly, “that were buried for a reason.”
Darren didn’t speak.
But his attention had locked in completely now.
“Rituals that require… very specific elements,” she continued.
Her gaze didn’t leave his.
“And when done correctly… they don’t just strengthen a pack.”
A faint pause.
“They transform it.”
Darren’s jaw tightened slightly.
Because now—
Now he understood.
At least enough of it.
“You’re saying there’s a way,” he said, his voice lower now, more controlled, “to elevate the pack beyond what it is now... and I can achieve it.”
“Yes.”
No hesitation.
Darren exhaled slowly.
This was it.
This was the answer he had been looking for.
Not just influence.
Not persuasion.
But power... re
