Draven.
“Alpha…”
Yulfred’s voice followed me just as I turned to leave, carrying a note of caution that grated against my spine. I didn’t slow. I didn’t turn back. I had heard enough.
But then he said my name.
“Draven… you should think about this. You can’t just do whatever—”
That was it.
Those words stopped me cold.
The audacity of it hit like a slap.
Did they truly believe I couldn’t do whatever I wished? That I had clawed my way into this position only to be leashed by a room full of aging men terrified of losing relevance?
The elders weren’t concerned about peace. They were protecting themselves. Their fragile egos. Their fear of a ruler who didn’t bow easily, who didn’t bend to manipulation. They wanted a weak Alpha. Someone pliable. Someone they could guide like a blind hou
