Chapter 4

The drums began at sunset.

Deep, thunderous beats rolled through the pack grounds, shaking the windows of the grand hall. Horns followed, clear and sharp, announcing the arrival of the royal procession. Every wolf straightened. Every face turned bright with false loyalty.

Victor changed in an instant.

The cruel Alpha who had slapped me, stripped me, and ordered my tongue cut out disappeared behind a polished smile. He adjusted his sleeves, smoothed his hair, and offered Lisa his arm as if they were a perfect ruling pair blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.

"Stand tall," he murmured to her. "This…