Chapter 42

• "Why are we still waiting?" Crown’s voice echoed in the tense silence of the council tent. His gaze was fixed firmly on Lowan, who sat at the head of the table, his posture rigid but his eyes betraying uncertainty. The rest of us sat in uneasy stillness, sensing the tension in the air.
• Lowan shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His usually confident demeanor was crumbling. I could feel the weight of it—everyone could. The pack was starting to question him, and every passing second was tightening the noose around his neck.
• "We need action," Crown continued, his voice hardening. "Valen's forces are growing stronger, and we’re sitting here debating tactics. Our pack is divided, Lowan. What’s your plan?"