Stephano's POV
The forest seemed to tighten around us. Branches creaked overhead despite the absence of wind. The air itself felt heavier, as if the land was holding its breath, waiting to see what violence or revelation would spill next.
Aurora's power stirred, not flaring, but pressing outward like a held breath. I felt it through the bond, controlled, furious, dangerous.
"You knew they would try to stop us," she said.
"I knew fear would do the work for them," he corrected.
"And you?" she asked. "What do you gain in all of this?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he turned slightly, his gaze sweeping across the neutral packs, lingering on faces that avoided his eyes.
Some shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny. Others stood rigid, refusing to acknowledge whatever guilt they felt.
"Balance," he said at last. "Or whatever it is called these days."
I watched the wolves closely as he spoke. Some looked relieved.
Others looked ashamed.
One looked nervous.
Marek.
