Chapter 36 Alaric The taste of blood lingers in my mouth as I approach the packhouse . Three warriors dead , twelve injured . The mutant wolves are evolving - stronger , faster , more organized . But right now , I can't focus on that threat . Pack politics wait for no one , not even a blood - soaked Lycan King . " They're waiting in the great hall , " Garrett reports , falling into step beside me . His own wounds are still healing - claw marks that should have closed hours ago . " Your father has already started damage control with the Northern Alliance . " My beast snarls at the reminder of politics when all I want is to check on Sage . But I can smell the tension in the air , feel the weight of watching eyes . Every noble wolf in the territory has gathered for tonight's dinner and Eris's public apology . " How is she ? " I ask quietly . = " Still in your rooms . Iris hasn't left her side . " Garrett hesitates . " But the nobles are talking . Lady Victoria has been particularly ... vocal about pack stability . ' 11 Of course she has . Victoria comes from one of the oldest bloodlines , second only to Eris's family in political influence . And unlike Eris's subtle manipulations , Victoria has always preferred direct attacks . the cal The great hall falls silent as I enter . Blood still stains my formal jacket - no time to change after the battle . Let them see it . Let them remember their king fights his own battles . " The northern border is secure , " I announce without preamble . " For now . " Whispers ripple through the crowd . I catch fragments : " -three dead- " " . like these , protocol matters- " need stronger alliances- " " -times My father stands with the council , his face unreadable . But mother's slight nod tells me she's already working to smooth ruffled feathers among the noble families . Eris makes her entrance precisely on cue . She's traded her usual bold colors for a modest gray dress , her head bowed in perfectly calculated contrition . " My King , " she says , her voice carrying just the right note of humility . " I come before you and the pack to apologize for my grievous error in judgment . " The crowd leans forward , hungry for drama . Eris doesn't disappoint . " In my zealousness to protect pack interests , I made accusations against an innocent . " Her voice trembles slightly -practiced in front of a mirror , no doubt . " The omega Sage is not guilty of theft , and I deeply regret any harm my hasty actions may have caused . " She pauses , letting the words sink in . Then , master stroke : " I can only pray my error hasn't damaged the delicate alliances our pack depends on for survival . Especially in these dangerous times , " Murmurs of approval ripple through the crowd . She's managed to apologize while simultaneously reminding everyone of pack hierarchy , political necessity , and the growing threats we face . " In light of my mistake , " she continues , " Immbly request permission to retire to my family's estate . To reflect on my actions and their consequences . " 1 grant permission with appropriate gravity , playing my part in this political theater . But my beast knows this is Chapter 36 +25 BONUS far from over . The formal dinner that follows proves me right . Victoria claims the seat Eris usually occupies , her golden hair arranged to display her family's ceremonial clips - symbols of an ancient bloodline . " Such troubled times , " she says , pitched to carry . " The pack needs stability . Strong alliances . Pure bloodlines to maintain our power . ' Other noble she - wolves echo the sentiment , each watching me carefully . Where Eris wielded subtle poison , they'll use blunt force - tradition , duty , pack strength . A dozen new thorns to replace the one we've pruned . Across the hall , I catch glimpses of Iris with Sage , who looks uncomfortable but determined in a borrowed dress . Several nobles pointedly turn their backs when she passes . Others whisper behind raised hands . " The pack is restless , " my father murmurs as he passes my chair . " They smell weakness . " " They smell change , " my mother counters softly . " The question is , what will bloom from this upheaval ? " Victoria chooses that moment to touch my arm , her family ring prominently displayed . " My King , in light of recent events , perhaps we should discuss renewing the alliance between our bloodlines ? After all , in times of crisis , we must all do our duty to the pack . " I hear what she doesn't say : Unlike some strays we've taken in . My beast rises , ready to challenge any threat to our mate . But that's exactly what they want - any reaction that proves Sage affects my judgment . Instead , I turn the conversation to border defenses , watching Victoria's perfectly composed face crack slightly at the dismissal . But I can smell her satisfaction . She thinks she's found her opening . They all do . Eris may be leaving , but she's lit a fire that will burn long after she's gone . Every noble family will now vie for the position they think is vacant , each determined to succeed where she failed . And Sage , my fierce , wounded mate , will face challenges far more direct than Eris's subtle games . Let them try , my beast snarls as I watch another noble wolf cut Sage out of conversation . Let them all try . They think they smell weakness . Soon they'll learn the difference between mercy and strength . But first , I have to make sure Sage survives their attention long enough for me to prove it . The dinner drags on , each moment a careful dance of power and politics . I catch Sage stifling a yawn , the events of the day clearly taking their toll . When she sways slightly in her chair , I've had enough . " Iris , " I call , perhaps too sharply " Please escort Sage to her rooms . " Victoria immediately pounces . " Oh , but the night is young ! Surely at such an important gathering , all pack members should participate fully . " Her smile shows perfect white teeth . " Unless , of course , some find our traditions overwhelming " I'm fine , " Sage protests , but exhaustion colors her voice . Then Lady Eleanor , another noble wolf with ancient bloodlines , joins in . " Indeed , these gatherings are essential for learning proper pack protocol . Though I suppose without a wolf's instincts , such lessons might be ... challenging " The barbs are getting less suble by the minute Garrett catches my eye from across the room a slant Chapter 37