Mary Ann’s POV
The strategy trial began before the entire pack.
Gregor had chosen the largest military field in Ironclaw for the event. Raised platforms surrounded the training ground, filled with elders, commanders, merchants, settlement leaders, and hundreds of pack families. More wolves stood beyond the barriers, pressing close enough that guards struggled to keep the paths clear.
This was not only an examination of leadership.
It was a performance.
Every decision Modric and Darius made would be judged publicly.
That was exactly what Gregor wanted.
Modric stood at one end of the field beside a large tactical board. His injured shoulder remained hidden beneath fitted black armor, but the bond carried the constant ache he refused to show. Kylian had adjusted the straps so his left
