Modric’s POV
The chant began with one child.
Then another voice joined.
Then another.
Within seconds, Mary Ann’s name rolled across the military field like thunder.
“Mary Ann!”
“Mary Ann!”
“Mary Ann!”
I stood beside the strategy board and watched hundreds of Ironclaw wolves rise from their seats.
Families from Hollowbrook.
Workers from the rebuilt settlements.
Mothers who had once doubted her.
Merchants whose trade routes she helped restore.
Even some soldiers who had cheered for Darius moments earlier turned toward the civilian platforms as the chant grew louder.
Mary Ann remained standing among the alliance representatives.
She looked stunned.
Not pleased.
Not proud.
Uncomfortable.
She had not challenged Gregor for attention. She had challenged him because the scoring
