Modric’s POV
The second trial began at sunrise.
Ironclaw’s central square had never held so many wolves at once. Voting stations stretched from the council hall to the market road, each marked by territory, household district, military unit, or registered trade group. Guards stood beside sealed boxes while independent clerks recorded every name.
Gregor had changed one detail after the first trial.
The trust vote would no longer be cast only by recognized households.
Every adult Ironclaw wolf would vote.
He presented the change as fairness after the crowd challenged the strategy scoring. I knew better. Traditional warriors outnumbered many of the civilians who had supported me, and Gregor believed military loyalty would favor Darius.
Perhaps it would.
Darius stood across the square
