Chapter 23. Godmother Terra

“I thank you all once again for gathering here for this very important meeting, and I look forward to seeing every single one of you at the wedding ceremony later this evening. Thank you.”

As soon as I spoke my final words, the atmosphere in the hall shifted. Chairs scraped softly against the polished floor as everyone stood in unison and bowed deeply. The gesture was formal, respectful, and expected, yet it still carried weight. These were people of influence—pack leaders, elders, advisers, nobles—each of them acknowledging my authority and decisions, whether they agreed with them or not.

Moments later, the hall filled with the low murmur of conversation as they began to file out one by one. Heavy doors opened and closed rhythmically, guards stepping aside to allow passage. I took the exit closest to me, my stride steady and deliberate, with Thoren falling into step at my side without needi