Gideons POV
I turned to Eric, my face hardening as the immediate crowd began to disperse with a sense of quiet hope. The crisis in the courtyard was being managed, but a far larger storm was brewing on the horizon.
"Word is going to spread fast about Lucian," I said, keeping my voice low so only Eric could hear. "The moment his scattered lieutenants and rogue bands realize the head of the snake is dead, they're going to panic. Some will try to melt into the tree line, but others will try to carve out their own tiny kingdoms or raid weak border packs out of pure desperation."
Eric gave a grim nod, his jaw tight. "A power vacuum like this is dangerous, Alpha. If we don't move quickly, those rogues will turn the eastern territories into a bloodbath before we can establish order."
"Which
