“It is indeed an honor to be appointed as the permanent Lord of Almira,” Heiko continued, his voice rising with calm power. “And while the title is noble, it is the service to the people and the packs that truly defines its worth.”
He paused, letting his words hang in the air. Around the table, some heads dipped, others glanced sideways, their unease growing.
“As such,” he continued, “my mate River and I will be visiting each of the twelve packs in the coming days. We want to get to know each of you. Your people. Your lands. Your struggles. And your victories.”
The silence snapped like glass.
River’s eyes swept the table, watching the reactions bloom in subtle expressions.
One Alpha clenched his jaw.
Another quickly drained her wine.
A third looked straight down at his plate as if a
