Page 34 of Feral Fates
My wolf stirs, her teeth baring.I don’t like this one.
Me either.
“Are you saying strength only comes in one form?” I ask, surprised by the steadiness in my voice. I reach for somefood, trying to appear casual as I serve myself venison and roasted vegetables. “That only fangs and claws matter?”
“They’ve kept us alive for centuries,” she counters. “History shows that seers rarely bring anything but trouble with them.”
An uncomfortable silence falls over the table. I can feel other wolves watching, listening, gauging my response. This has become as much a test as the training session.
I spear a piece of meat, chewing slowly as I consider her statement.
The meat is tender, perfectly seasoned—someone’s worked hard on this meal.
“Tell me,” I continue, voice soft but pointed, “when an elder can no longer hunt, does their worth to the pack vanish?”
Sara frowns, her brow furrowing. “Of course not.”
“Why?”
“Because they hold knowledge. Wisdom. They guide the young. Teach the old ways.”
“And when a wolf is injured, what value do they hold?”
She bristles. “Of course they are valued by the pack. They might serve as advisors or makers, looking after children or helping the frail. There’s always a place in our pack.”
I nod, swallowing another mouthful of perfectly seasoned meat. “In my experience, what makes a pack strong isn’t just fangs and claws. It’s the bonds between us.” I see the understanding flicker across her face but continue to gently make my point. “The elder who comforts a frightened pup. The injured wolf who shares hard-won wisdom. The ones who can’t fight but tend the hearths, keeping home fires burning for those who do. Strength comes from many places. Compassion creates loyalty. Kindness builds trust. Without those bonds, a pack might survive—but it will never thrive.”
Kaden lets out a low whistle, leaning back in his seat.Even Heath’s stoic expression cracks slightly with the tiniest flick of a smile.
Sara studies me for a long moment, then inclines her head in acknowledgment. “Well said, Alpha Female.”
“Tell me about your records,” I say, genuinely curious. “What exactly does your pack know about seers?”
“Less than we should,” comes another voice, and I turn to find a weathered older woman approaching our table. Her once-black hair is now mostly silver, but her movements remain fluid and strong. Deep lines mark a face that has seen decades of pack life, and her eyes—an unusual amber gold—hold wisdom and assessment in equal measure.
The respect with which the others make room for her tells me this is someone of significance.
“Elder Lyra,” Elias greets her, bowing his head deeply.
“Save the formalities for public ceremonies.” She waves him off, settling her gaze on me. “So you’re the seer who’s turned our pack upside down.”
I swallow hard. “I didn’t intend to cause disruption.”
Her laugh is unexpectedly bright. “Disruption is precisely what this pack needs. Stagnation kills faster than any enemy.” She studies me openly, her gaze lingering on my claiming mark. “The Alpha chose well. Though many still doubt.”
“With respect, Elder,” Sara interjects, “the concern isn’t about the Alpha’s choice, but about what her presence means for our future. A broken seer is hardly a threat. The Grand Alpha won’t?—“
I flinch. The wordbrokenlands like a brand. I’ve heard it all before, of course. Broken, damaged, useless. Only good for my visions. My old pack treated me as if I were a half-wolf just because I couldn’t shift.
I shouldn’t be surprised or hurt, but I am. Ryker treating me as a whole being doesn’t wash away the perceptions others have of me.
“The Grand Alpha, bah!” Lyra cuts her off sharply. “Thaddeus has been looking for an excuse to bring us to heel for decades. He’ll simply use the Alpha Female as his latest excuse.” Her gaze returns to me. “No offense intended, child.”
“None taken,” I assure her. “You’re right. I think Thaddeus wanted me claimed by someone he could control.”
“And instead, you were claimed by the one wolf he fears most,” Lyra says with evident satisfaction. “It seems the Moon Goddess has different plans for you.”
I rise, gesturing at the seat next to mine. “Will you join us?”
